West Ham are hoping to snap up Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell before the transfer window closes next week, according to reports.

The defender has effectively been frozen out by head coach Enzo Maresca and he is free to leave Stamford Bridge.

Chilwell could depart on loan with the Daily Mail (via West Ham Zone) claiming that the Hammers are one of his potential destinations.

Graham Potter has worked with the England international before during his brief spell in charge of Chelsea so that makes the club’s interest plausible.

Chilwell does have other suitors

The Mail report that the Hammers are not the only Premier League team interested in securing the player’s services. Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Everton are also keen.

A lot may depend on who can guarantee Chilwell the most first-team football. He has been restricted to just one substitute appearance in the Carabao Cup this season and his priority will be to find a team where he is given starts on a regular basis.

He would be a good fit for West Ham

While there are justifiable concerns about Chilwell’s recent injury record, he could offer Potter another option at left wingback.

Since the manager’s arrival at the London Stadium, he has deployed 3-4-3 in two of his four matches in charge. Chilwell’s best performances at Chelsea came when playing in such a system under manager Thomas Tuchel.

If Potter persists with that formation then he could be the right target to go after to strengthen the left flank. The fact that he is available on loan is also an added bonus.

The Irons need to devote most of their resources to recruiting a striker and bringing Chilwell in without a significant cost being accrued would aid the club’s ability to go after multiple targets.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here