Inter Milan are weighing up a formal bid for Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah after the defender’s representatives gave their approval for a switch to San Siro. The Serie A champions have emerged as favourites ahead of Como in the race to secure the England international’s signature.
According to reports from Italy, Chalobah’s agents have held productive discussions with Inter officials in recent days and sanctioned the proposed transfer. This development places the Nerazzurri in a strong position despite competition from fellow Serie A side Como, who recently saw an offer for the 24-year-old turned down by Chelsea.
Valuation stand-off
Chelsea rejected a formal bid worth €30 million including add-ons from Como earlier this week, holding out for a fee closer to €35 million. The Premier League club’s firm stance on valuation has complicated negotiations with the Lombardy outfit, who have already invested heavily in their squad this summer.
Como have committed €60 million to re-sign Nico Paz and a further €14 million to secure Kaiki, stretching their resources as they prepare for the 2026-27 Champions League campaign. These expenditures make meeting Chelsea’s asking price for Chalobah increasingly difficult for Cesc Fàbregas’s side.
Financial firepower
Inter, meanwhile, possess the necessary funds to satisfy Chelsea’s demands. The club had allocated €50 million for the transfer of Marco Palestra, only for the Italian youngster to choose Stamford Bridge over San Siro last month. Additionally, the imminent €20 million sale of Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid has further bolstered their transfer budget.
This financial flexibility allows Inter to pursue multiple targets simultaneously. While Chalobah represents their primary defensive objective, the club are also targeting reinforcements on the right flank. Anan Khalaili of Union Saint-Gilloise has emerged as the leading candidate for the wing-back role, though the Belgian club are demanding at least €25 million for the 21-year-old.
Next steps
Both Inter and Como view defensive additions as essential ahead of their respective Champions League campaigns next season. However, Inter’s superior financial position and the positive signals from Chalobah’s camp suggest they are now leading the chase.
The coming days will prove decisive as Inter decide whether to formalise their interest with an official proposal matching Chelsea’s €35 million valuation. With the transfer window progressing, the Serie A holders are eager to conclude their business swiftly as they prepare to defend their domestic title.