Ben Chilwell to join Strasbourg on two-year deal from Chelsea

Ben Chilwell is set to leave Chelsea and join French club Strasbourg after the transfer window deadline, with several reports saying he has agreed a two year contract with the Ligue 1 side. Accounts of the move differed in the hours before closing, with some outlets describing the transaction as a permanent deal and others earlier suggesting a loan arrangement in which Chelsea would continue to subsidise much of his salary. Fabrizio Romano, the transfer correspondent, reported that Chilwell has completed a medical and was close to signing, while other reports indicated Chelsea and Strasbourg were finalising terms.

The 28 year old left back has been out of favour at Stamford Bridge since Enzo Maresca became manager and has not been part of the club's long term plans. Maresca told Chilwell he could leave and last season the defender spent the second half on loan at Crystal Palace to find regular playing time. Chilwell said during his Palace spell that he had spent long stretches at Chelsea training alone and wanted to prove he remains a top class left back. Maresca has publicly praised Chilwell's professionalism and said he felt shame over how the player's Chelsea situation unfolded.