Napoli are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea outcast Ben Chilwell in the January transfer window.
Chilwell was on the verge of leaving Chelsea in the summer transfer window after being deemed surplus to requirements by manager Enzo Maresca.
However, Chilwell was unable to find a new destination before the transfer window shut, leaving him on the fringes of the Chelsea first team until the January market.
The left-back was still included in the 25-Premier League squad, but he failed to make the cut for the Conference League group stage.
Having been restricted to just one appearance this season, Chilwell is expected to be moved on when the transfer window reopens in the new year.
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Napoli keen to recruit Chilwell
Spanish side Atletico Madrid are believed to have a 'strong interest' in offering the England international a way out of Stamford Bridge.
Manchester United are also understood to be among Chilwell's admirers, while Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town are both in the running to secure the full-back's services.
According to The Sun, Italian giants Napoli are set to join the race to sign Chilwell, with manager Antonio Conte said to be a huge admirer of the Chelsea man.
The report claims that Napoli are 'tracking' Chilwell as they weigh up a potential move which could see the defender reunite with his former Chelsea teammate Billy Gilmour.
Scotland international Gilmour is currently plying his trade in Naples after completing a summer move from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 2022-23 Serie A winners could explore the possibility of signing Chilwell on a loan deal with an option to make it permanent at the end of the season.
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Why are Napoli interested in Chilwell?
On the face of it, Napoli are well-stocked in the left-back position, with Conte able to call upon Mathias Olivera and Leonardo Spinazzola.
In fact, Spinazzola's summer arrival from Roma contributed to Mario Rui being exiled from Conte's first-team setup.
However, while Conte may not be in immediate need of a new left-sided defender, the opportunity to sign someone of Chilwell's calibre may be too good to turn down.
While his previous injury issues may be a concern, Chilwell is undoubtedly a top-quality full-back and has a wealth of experience playing at the highest level.
The 27-year-old has amassed over 169 Premier League appearances, including 70 top-flight matches during his time as a Chelsea player.
Ben Sully
