MX23RW : Monday, November 4 20:06:30| >> :120:10878:10878:

Chelsea defender set for Billy Gilmour reunion at Napoli?

Could a Chelsea defender join Napoli in 2025?
© Imago
Napoli are reportedly showing an interest in reuniting a Chelsea defender with former Blues midfielder Billy Gilmour.

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.

Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell in September 2024.© Imago

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.

Napoli head coach Antonio Conte on August 18, 2024© Imago

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.

ID:555443:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5645:

Click here for more stories about Billy Gilmour

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Ben Chilwell of Chelsea and Axel Disasi of Chelsea after the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge on August 28, 2024
Read Next:
'Top target' - Man United 'to move for Chelsea defender' at start of 2025
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Bournemouth104331312115
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
11Brentford94141818013
12Fulham93331212012
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!