In midst of a run where positivity is difficult to come by, Chelsea Football Club has locked up one of its most vital pieces until 2027.
The 2022-2023 campaign for Chelsea FC has not gone quite to the plan as many would have liked. From the departure of two managers to being on the verge of finishing outside the top-half of the Premier League table for the first time since the 1995-1996 season, the Blues are still trying to find what their identity actually is under the new ownership group. The transition is still underway, and some players will move out the door while others will be along for the ride.
According to reports per The Athletic’s David Ornstein on Monday morning, the west London outfit have agreed to an extension with 26-year-old left-wing back Ben Chilwell through the 2027 season. There were rumors surrounding the former Leicester City player that he had potential to take his talents elsewhere in the Premier League, particularly defending champions Manchester City. Previously, the Blues’ No. 21 had just two years left on his original deal. This now extends him another two seasons, taking a potential transfer opportunity out of the picture.
The fire sale of players over the summer will be a massive storyline surrounding the west Londoners with the need to trim the squad. It is a big sigh of relief that Chilwell is not going to be one of them. Despite the rise of youngsters Lewis Hall, and incoming Ian Maatsen from his loan season at Burnley, the Blues simply felt they could not replace the kind of influence Chilwell has on the success of this club.
Ben Chilwell will sign new long term deal in the next days, as @David_Ornstein has reported today. 🚨🔵 #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 10, 2023
Chilwell has already accepted clauses and conditions of the deal — it’s done and it will be sealed soon.
New contract will be valid until June 2027. pic.twitter.com/vmvUXOjZle
In nearly three seasons in west London, Chilwell has started in 65 of the 80 contests in which he has played a part in, totalling nine goals to go along with 10 assists in all competitions. He has had at least 2.38 shot creating actions per 90 minutes in every campaign since joining the west London outfit. Ever since he stepped foot on the ground at Stamford Bridge, Chilwell has fit right in.
The Milton Keynes native has engulfed himself into the culture with the Blues, always walking around with a smile on his face. That matters, especially given the recent past of disgruntled players at the club. This is a massive blow to City who are on the hunt for a wing-back following the drama-filled departure of Joao Cancelo on loan to Bayern Munich. For the Blues to lock Chilwell on the left side and agree to a deal with Reece James back in September is something CFC fans can be thrilled about among this campaign filled with mostly lows.
Many could make the argument that these two make up the best wing-back duo in all of world football. Despite the fact that Chilwell’s time in west London has been hampered due to injury, his influence was he has been on the pitch is second to none.
Despite incoming left-backs at Cobham, Chelsea simply couldn’t afford to lose a player of this caliber
Whether it was his display in Porto against Pep Guardiola or the match-saving performance against West Ham United earlier in the season, Chilwell’s inclusion into this squad long-term is vital to sustained success. Goals have been difficult to come by recently, but there are few left-wing backs that are better than creating those chances for others. At the age of just 26, Chilwell has aspirations of potentially making his name known on the national stage.
The west Londoners will be at the center of all of it, helping the Englishmen take his game to the next level against the best of the best around the world. The Blues’ No. 21 is a special talent, and while the mood around the club is not exactly sky-high at the moment, they now have secured a prominent piece that wants to be at the club long-term.