Ben Chilwell's Chelsea days numbered? Left-back seemingly snubbed by Enzo Maresca as new Blues head coach outlines tactical plans

The England international's future at Stamford Bridge has become a subject of speculation in recent times with The Telegraph earlier reporting that the full-back could see himself surplus to Maresca's needs this summer as the new Blues boss is looking for players who can play in multiple roles.

Now the manager himself dropped a hint regarding Chilwell's future while explaining his tactics for the upcoming 2024/25 campaign. The former Leicester City manager revealed that he plans to deploy inverted full-backs. While he spoke about players like captain Reece James, Malo Gusto, Marc Cucurella, and Renato Veiga who can play that role, the 44-year-old did not name the English defender.

Speaking to reporters, the Chelsea coach said, "We won't necessarily invert the left. I have seen a lot of Reece James and he can do that, and we have been trying it. And Malo Gusto can do it as well. But so can Marc [Cucurella] and Renato [Veiga]. So we are trying both [sides]."

Maresca also exclusively spoke to football.london where he added, "In these weeks, we try different situations. We try [Reece] James inside. I watched his games [for Wigan Athletic on loan] against, I don't remember now, he was playing as a midfielder."

Chilwell has been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, however, it remains to be seen if the Red Devils are still interested in signing another defender after confirming the arrival of Leny Yoro last week. The West London club will be next seen in action on Wednesday as they take on Wrexham in their first pre-season friendly in the United States.