Inter Milan have made Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah their priority target after the England international rejected an approach from Crystal Palace. The Serie A champions are accelerating their pursuit of the 24-year-old centre-back, who has set his sights on a move to the San Siro this summer.
According to reports in Italy, Chalobah dismissed the chance to join Crystal Palace despite Chelsea attempting to use him as a makeweight in a player-plus-cash deal for Eagles defender Maxence Lacroix. The rejection clears the path for Inter, who have maintained dialogue with the player’s representatives for several weeks.
Defensive rebuild
Inter’s urgency stems from a defensive reshuffle following the departure of veteran centre-backs Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij as free agents. The club secured Anan Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise earlier this week, but Chalobah represents the primary reinforcement manager Simone Inzaghi is seeking.
Personal terms are understood to present no obstacle should the clubs agree a fee, though negotiations between Inter and Chelsea remain ongoing without a breakthrough.
Valuation gap
The two clubs are yet to align on Chalobah’s valuation. Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Chelsea are demanding €40 million for the former loanee, while Sky Sport Italia suggest the asking price stands at €35 million. This discrepancy highlights the distance still to be bridged in talks.
Como have also been rebuffed in their attempts to secure the defender, with two separate bids rejected by Chelsea. The Serie A newcomers’ president, Mirwan Suwarso, reportedly informed Inter chief Beppe Marotta that Como would not engage in a bidding war for the player.
What happens next
Inter are expected to intensify their efforts in the coming weeks as they look to finalise their squad ahead of the new season. With Chalobah having made clear his preference for a switch to Milan, the onus is now on the Nerazzurri to meet Chelsea’s financial demands or negotiate a compromise.
The defender has previously spent time on loan at Crystal Palace, making him familiar with the club he has now declined to rejoin permanently. His focus remains firmly on securing a transfer to the reigning Italian champions instead.