Como have agreed a deal worth more than £30m to sign Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, ending his nearly 20-year association with the London club. The 27-year-old is expected to sign a long-term contract and take on a leadership role under manager Cesc Fabregas at the Italian club, Como.
Como Land Major Signing in Chalobah Deal
The package is close to Chelsea's asking price of £30m plus £5m in add-ons after multiple offers dating back from early June, alongside interest from Inter Milan. Chelsea will receive an initial £25.7m, with a further £5.1m available in add-ons following protracted negotiations. This deal marks a significant transfer coup for Como, who secured Champions League qualification by finishing fourth in Serie A last season.
Chelsea Reduce Squad Size Amid Alonso's Revamp
Former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Fabregas has been keen to sign Chalobah and had been targeting him for more than six months. The England international will leave his boyhood club after nearly 20 years, having joined Chelsea as a child. This move forms part of an effort at Stamford Bridge to reduce the size of new manager Xabi Alonso's squad.
Chelsea Defence Remains Deep and Experienced
The Blues have signed Maxence Lacroix, 26, from Crystal Palace for £52m, adding both experience and height to their defence. They still have nine senior centre-backs on their books, including Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Josh Acheampong, Benoit Badiashile, Aaron Anselmino, Axel Disasi, and Mamadou Sarr. Chelsea are keen to offload Disasi and Badiashile and could send Sarr or Acheampong out on loan, potentially to another Premier League club.
Chelsea's decision to offload Chalobah and others may be a sign of the team's focus on rebuilding and revitalizing their squad under Alonso's management. The new manager has made it clear that he wants to create a more balanced and competitive team, and this move is a significant step in that direction.
Source: Joy Online
