Chelsea has closed a deal for Ben Chilwell to relocate to Crystal Palace for the rest of the season.
The full-back will undergo a medical on Monday prior to a move to Selhurst Park, while Chilwell is looking for playing time left in the wilderness of Stamford Bridge. The International of England made only one Carabao Cup performance this period after he had gone aside in the summer while the club wanted to sell him.
Chilwell could be the second blues player who loan this period to Palace. Trevoh Chalobah joined the Eagles in the summer after he was omitted from Chelsea's pre-season, but has since been recalled and used by Enzo Maresca.
The Italian coach has spoken 'shame' about the situation that Chilwell has been this season. Maresca admitted that the 28-year-old was looking for more playing time during the winter transfer window
Speaking last month, Maresca said: “Because players want to play more, there are probably opportunities for them to leave. But Ben has been great. I have to say that, he has been great.
“Very professional, works hard. I feel shame because of that situation, but in terms of behavior he has been very good.”
Maresca also tried to explain the lack of opportunities of Chilwell. “First of all because it's my choice,” he said. “And because I see Malo Gusto, Reece James or Marc Cucurella, do different types of jobs during the game.
“I think Chilwell is a top full-back, taking a job up and down and in the past gets the chance to win titles and to be in the national team, but I have trouble seeing Ben doing different types of things.”
Chilwell is not the only player who could make his exit from West London. Joao Felix has been struggling to play time in the Premier League since the summer and is the subject of interest from AC Milan.
The Serie A -side wants to sign Felix on loan, Mirror Football understands, but are not willing to pay a considerable fee. Super-agent Jorge Mendes tries to unlock the deal, but Chelsea is undecided whether the Portugal International can leave.
Further conversations are expected for the attacker who has been the subject of other proposals this month.
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