Inter Milan have entered the race to sign Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah after their pursuit of Udinese centre-back Oumar Solet reached an impasse. The Nerazzurri had reportedly agreed personal terms with the French defender, but Udinese are demanding at least €25 million. This steep valuation has forced Inter to explore alternatives, with Chalobah now emerging as a serious option alongside Serie A rivals Como.
The potential pivot to Chalobah underscores a difficult transfer window for the reigning Italian champions. Inter recently lost defender Marco Palestra to Chelsea after lengthy negotiations, while their interest in Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has cooled considerably. The Solet situation represents the latest frustration in their recruitment strategy, with the player also attracting concrete attention from Atletico Madrid should Inter formally withdraw.
Chalobah, who celebrates his 27th birthday next month, fits the profile of experienced defenders Inter are seeking to strengthen their backline. The Chelsea academy product has spent multiple seasons on loan away from Stamford Bridge, gaining valuable experience without establishing himself as a guaranteed starter at his parent club. His reported salary of €1.6 million per season makes him financially accessible to Italian clubs operating within strict wage structures, though Chelsea’s transfer fee demands currently deter both Inter and Como from submitting formal offers.
The defender’s immediate focus lies with international duty, complicating any potential negotiations. Following an injury to captain Reece James, England are expected to hand Chalobah a starting role in their World Cup group stage match against Panama. This high-profile appearance offers the centre-back a significant platform to showcase his defensive capabilities on the world stage, potentially altering the dynamics of any transfer discussions.
Should Chalobah deliver an impressive performance during the tournament, Chelsea may harden their stance regarding any potential fee, aware that increased visibility drives market value. Conversely, regular playing time for his country could convince the player to remain at Stamford Bridge and compete for a regular first-team role. For now, both Inter and Como continue to monitor developments closely, waiting to see whether Chelsea lower their financial expectations or whether the player actively pushes for an exit upon returning from international duty.