- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Chelsea were extremely busy on deadline day trying to thin their squad as well as make a late addition in the shape of Jadon Sancho.
The Blues got a last-gasp loan deal over the line for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, with their agreement including an obligation to buy.
To make space for Sancho, Chelsea also offloaded Raheem Sterling to Arsenal after Enzo Maresca made it blindingly clear that he would not be involved with the first team this season.
The deadline in the Premier League has now expired, but Chelsea have still not wrapped up their transfer business with one player still pushing to leave.
HITC can confirm that Ben Chilwell‘s representatives are still actively in talks with a number of clubs about a possible move.
Ben Chilwell exploring Chelsea exit
Like Sterling, Chilwell was told by Maresca that he would not feature in Chelsea’s first team this season if he decided to stay at the club.
HITC revealed that Brentford were in talks over a late deal for Chilwell but the Bees were unable to get a deal over the line before Friday’s deadline.
Manchester United had also been offered Chilwell during talks for Sancho, but the winger’s move to Stamford Bridge ended up being a standalone agreement after the Red Devils rejected a player swap.
HITC understands that a number of Turkish clubs, including Fenerbahce, have shown an interest in Chilwell.
Fenerbahce lost Ferdi Kadioglu to Brighton in the last few days of the window and they view Chilwell, who was hailed “fantastic” by former manager Frank Lampard, as an ideal replacement.
There is also interest from Dutch giants Ajax, with Chelsea ready to cover a sizeable chunk of his wages in a loan deal.
Chelsea still have a bloated squad
Chelsea were perhaps the busiest side of any Premier League club on deadline day as they struck late deals for Sterling, Armando Broja, Trevoh Chalobah and Kepa Arrizabalaga to leave.
It means that a total of 23 players have now left the club this summer either on permanent deals, as a free agent or on loan.
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But Chelsea still have a bloated squad and a packed-out dressing room and Chilwell is one of a number of players who will still be looking to leave.
Other leagues still have a few days remaining until their transfer window closes, so Chelsea’s outgoings may not yet be completed.
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