Inter or Como: Chalobah's fate uncertain

One of Chelsea's defensive files this summer window has turned into a lengthy negotiation. According to Ben Jacobs, Chelsea have now rejected two bids from Como for Trevoh Chalobah; talks continue, with other clubs also interested. The history of the process is rich: Como's opening offer stood at €25 million plus €2 million in bonuses, rejected against Chelsea's demand of €30 million plus €5 million; a second bid, raised to €28 million plus €2 million, was again deemed insufficient.

The strategy of the rival Italian club is also notable. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter and Como had made a private agreement not to outbid each other — Como would step back until Inter submitted a formal offer. However, Inter's failure to take concrete action so far has turned that strategy into a source of concern for Chelsea, raising the risk that the player is left in limbo.

The player's own preference further complicates the file. According to CaughtOffside, Chalobah himself favours Inter and, per sources close to the agents' industry, has reached an agreement in principle with the Italian champions — yet Inter have not yet made a formal fee offer to Chelsea. This marks a curious case of no concrete agreement having formed with the player's preferred club.

The competition is not limited to Italy alone. Crystal Palace and Fulham are also reported to be closely monitoring the player. The 26-year-old, a Chelsea academy graduate with 151 official appearances and 8 goals for the club, has two years remaining on his contract (with a one-year option); Xabi Alonso is said not to be prioritising him in next season's plans, with Chelsea's completion of the Maxence Lacroix transfer strengthening the possibility of Chalobah being surplus to requirements.

Source: Ben Jacobs
Image: Yahoo Sports