Tottenham, Aston Villa among disappointed clubs as Chelsea complete U-turn on star’s exit
Chelsea have reportedly changed their minds on Trevoh Chalobah, meaning clubs such as Tottenham, Aston Villa and AC Milan will no longer be able to sign him on loan.
Chelsea put Chalobah on the loan market on August 18. At that time, they wanted the centre-back to pick up more senior experience elsewhere.
The Blues also didn’t feel they needed Chalobah to remain at Stamford Bridge amid the pursuit of Wesley Fofana. After a couple of successful bids, Chelsea now look set to land the Leicester City man.
According to various outlets, including The Athletic, Chelsea have come to an agreement with Leicester for Fofana’s signing.
As per RMC Sport, the Frenchman is close to becoming the world’s most expensive defender. Chelsea will pay an initial £70m for him, though the deal could rise to more than £80m through add-ons.
Chalobah will certainly fall down the pecking order once Fofana arrives in west London. This has put plenty of teams on Chalobah’s trail.
Among them are Italian sides Milan, Inter and Roma. From England, interested clubs include Tottenham, Villa, Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Southampton and Everton.
But they will all be left disappointed if the latest rumours are true. Journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claims Chelsea have completed a U-turn on Chalobah’s future.
Chelsea change their minds on Trevoh Chalobah
They now want the 23-year-old to remain at the club, rather than spending a season out on loan. This will ensure Chelsea have enough options in defence in case the likes of Thiago Silva or Cesar Azpilicueta get injured.
The Chelsea decision is shown by Thomas Tuchel’s selection on Saturday. Chalobah was selected in a back four alongside Reece James, Silva and Marc Cucurella against Leicester. After an eventful first half, Tuchel changed this to a back five by bringing on Azpilicueta.
Chalobah’s entourage have apparently told Milan and Inter that they will no longer be able to capture the former England U21 international. Instead, the two Serie A giants will have to look at alternative signings in defence.
This is the same case for English sides Tottenham, Villa and Leeds, plus others.
Chalobah is clearly impressing Chelsea coaches and Tuchel, otherwise they would not have come to this decision.
It will be tough for him to get into the starting lineup once Kalidou Koulibaly returns from suspension. But Chalobah has looked comfortable whenever he has played for Chelsea and he will therefore fancy his chances of making more than 20 appearances this season.
Arguably his best opportunities will come against lower half Premier League opposition and in cup matches. Good performances in these games may see Chalobah force his way into Tuchel’s plans for the biggest games.
