Chelsea face a battle to offload Trevoh Chalobah this summer after Italian clubs Inter and Como balked at the €35m asking price and the defender’s wage demands. The Blues reportedly rejected offers exceeding €25m earlier in the transfer window, but their increased valuation has now driven both Serie A sides to pursue alternative targets.
According to reports in Italy, Chelsea recently contacted Inter and Como to test whether interest remained in the 27-year-old centre-back. Both clubs have indicated they are looking elsewhere, citing the excessive fee and the salary requests submitted by Chalobah’s agents as prohibitive factors.
Gentlemen’s agreement ends bidding war
The collapse of negotiations follows a reported pact between Inter and Como not to compete against each other for the England international’s signature. The agreement effectively prevented a bidding war, leaving Chelsea without leverage to force the price higher.
Como have already redirected their efforts toward Galatasaray defender Davinson Sánchez, while Inter are exploring other options after stepping back from the Chalobah chase.
Inter defensive concerns grow
The situation is particularly complicated for Inter, who are currently restructuring their defensive line. The Milan club recently lost wing-back Marco Palestra to Chelsea and saw prospective signing Anan Khalaili fail his medical examination. These setbacks have forced Inter to prioritise reinforcing the wing-back position over recruiting a central defender.
Chalobah is currently away on international duty with England at the World Cup, where the national side are preparing for Wednesday’s semi-final against Argentina. Despite his involvement in the tournament, the 27-year-old’s club future remains unresolved.
Having fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, Chalobah was made available for transfer earlier in the window. However, with the market moving slowly and Chelsea holding firm on their valuation, the academy graduate risks remaining on the books unless the club softens its stance or alternative suitors emerge before the deadline.