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Ben Chilwell: Crystal Palace confirm loan signing of Chelsea outcast

 (London Standard)
(London Standard)

Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of Ben Chilwell on loan from Chelsea for the remainder of the season.

Chilwell, who was a vice-captain at the Blues, has made just one appearance for the Blues all season — a 45-minute cameo in September’s 5-0 win over Barrow in the Carabao Cup — after being frozen out by manager Enzo Maresca, who felt the England international did not suit his preferred formation.

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Palace have been targeting a new left-back this window with Tyrick Mitchell the only left-sided full-back in Oliver Glasner’s squad, and have now added the experienced Chilwell to their ranks.

“I'm very excited to be here,” Chilwell told the club’s official website.

“Crystal Palace are a club that's going in a great direction. You look at the last few months, with the results and how the team's playing, and it was a no-brainer to make the decision to come here."

Chilwell, 28, is Palace’s second new arrival of the winter window, following the signing of winger Romain Esse from Millwall for a deal worth up to £14.5million.

Chelsea were keen to get Chilwell off the wage bill, as he is one of the club's highest earners, so the Blues are expected to cover a percentage of his salary while he is at Palace.