Chilwell set to end Chelsea exile as he joins Crystal Palace

In England, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca expressed anticipation for the upcoming end of the January transfer window, indicating a desire to see the speculation surrounding his players come to a close. Ahead of the Monday deadline, Chelsea struggled in their recent Premier League fixtures, managing only one win in seven matches, prompting player speculation. Maresca mentioned that this speculation negatively affected players’ focus, causing a drop from the top four positions. Meanwhile, Ben Chilwell, who has had limited playing time, is poised to finalize a transfer to Crystal Palace, concluding his challenging time at Chelsea, where he had made minimal contributions this season. The transfer window has been particularly unusual for Chelsea, with much of the focus directed towards potential departures rather than incoming talent. The club found itself in a situation where several players, including Chilwell and summer signing Joao Felix, struggled for minutes and were often linked with exits as the transfer deadline approached. Maresca noted that the conjecture before deadline day had created an uncomfortable environment for the team, especially given the lack of cup fixtures to rotate the squad and provide playing opportunities. Chilwell's impending transfer represents a significant change as he moves away from a club where he felt sidelined. After only appearing in one match this season, there was mutual recognition between Chilwell and the Chelsea management that a change was necessary. Maresca admitted feeling a sense of shame regarding Chilwell's situation and highlighted the importance of finding a solution that benefits both the player and the club, as they work to navigate the complexities of player retention and squad management. As the January transfer window comes to a close, Chelsea’s January dealings reflect a broader trend across the Premier League, where clubs are maneuvering to finalize key player movements. With teams like Aston Villa also involved in transfers, including the addition of Marco Asensio, the stakes remain high amidst the shifting dynamics of player availability and club needs. With the transfer window closing soon, all eyes will be on the final signings and whether or not more high-profile departures will occur from Chelsea or other teams across the league.