Ben Chilwell linked with Chelsea exit and fans are 'annoyed' with what's going on

Ben Chilwell is linked with what some fans are describing as an ‘annoying’ move after an unsuccessful spell at Chelsea.

Chilwell, 28, joined Chelsea from Leicester City on a five-year contract for a reported £45m in 2020 before further extending his contract in 2023.

The England international, who has not played for the Three Lions since March 2024, is currently out of favour with Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, having spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Crystal Palace.

Maresca previously made clear that the left-back does not fit into his plans, although he was also quick to praise Chilwell’s professionalism when speaking back in January.

“Ben has been top,” Maresca said. “I have to say that he has been top.

"Very professional, works hard. I feel shame because of that situation, but in terms of behaviour, he has been very good."

Ben Chilwell was loaned to Crystal Palace last season (Credit:Getty)

When further pressed on why he continued to leave Chilwell out, the Italian explained that “I can see Malo Gusto, Reece James or Marc Cucurella doing different kinds of jobs” whereas he did not envisage the former Leicester man doing what he wanted.

As expected, so far this season, Chilwell, who is contracted to the Blues until 2027, has not featured, and he could move on before the September 1 transfer deadline.

As reported by The Daily Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, “Chilwell has emerged as potential late target for French club Strasbourg. Torino have also been interested in adding him as a left-back, as have Roma in Italy.”

French side Strasbourg are one of the clubs owned by Todd Boehly’s BlueCo consortium that includes investment firm Clearlake Capital.

BlueCo acquired Chelsea in 2022 before purchasing Strasbourg the following year.

Several players have since played for both side’s including Djordje Petrovic and Andrey Santos, who both spent time on loan in France last term.

Meanwhile, the Ligue 1 outfit has signed several players such as Ishe Samuels-Smith, Mathis Amougou and Diego Moreira from the Premier League outfit in recent years.

However, some fans are not pleased that the clubs are allowed to trade despite being under the same ownership.

Chelsea and Strasbourg have the same owners (Credit:Getty)

One said: “So Chelsea can sell and loan all the players that they don't need to their owners’ second club and earn money and a PSR boost. Wow, so there is no problem, unbelievable.”

A second added: “Right up there with the most annoying misuse and disregard of players and BlueCo.”

While a third claimed: “Oh, would that be the same Strasbourg owned by a certain parent company. Nothing to see here …”