The 27-year-old was named vice-captain at the start of last season but despite the prolonged absence of skipper Reece James, he would barely wear the armband having been decimated by injuries himself.

He made just 21 appearances across all competitions, only 13 of them starts, and struggled for form when he did play, which resulted in Gareth Southgate surprisingly snubbing him from his Euro 2024 squad.

But the report adds that Maresca’s style of play may not align with what Chilwell can produce, with the former Leicester boss preferring ‘Swiss Army Knife’ players who can operate in various positions.

Chilwell has only ever played as a left-back or left-wingback and moreover Maresca prefers his full-backs to invert into midfield, something the Three Lions star doesn’t do as well as teammate Marc Cucurella.

It is perhaps for this reason that Chelsea want to sign a new left-footed defender with Euro 2020 star Riccardo Calafiori emerging as a top target.

The Italy international is also wanted by Arsenal and is ‘open’ to joining the Gunners after they launched a £40m bid for the 22-year-old.

If the Blues do get their man it could spell the end of Chilwell, who still has three years left to run on his contract, though it is not known if there are any interested buyers.

Chelsea have already sold off two left-backs this summer, with Lewis Hall joining Newcastle permanently after his loan there last season, while the highly-rated Ian Maatsen has signed for Aston Villa.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

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