Como test Chelsea resolve with £22m bid for Trevoh Chalobah

Como have submitted an offer worth more than £22 million for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah. The newly promoted Italian club, who recently stunned the football world by qualifying for the Champions League under Cesc Fabregas, have identified the versatile Englishman as their top target to strengthen their backline this summer.

The bid, which includes add-ons, lands well short of what the Stamford Bridge hierarchy consider acceptable. Chelsea value the 26-year-old centre-back at around £35 million, particularly because any fee received for the Cobham academy graduate would count as pure profit in the club's financial accounts. That gives the London side strong motivation to hold firm on their asking price as they reshape the squad under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Chelsea hold out for higher fee

While Como have made the first concrete move, they are not alone in their pursuit. Aston Villa have also been linked with Chalobah, whose stock is rising fast. The defender is currently away on international duty with England at the 2026 World Cup, having been a surprise call-up by boss Thomas Tuchel after an injury to Tino Livramento.

With opportunities to impress on the global stage, strong performances could further inflate his price. Chelsea will be watching closely, knowing that a successful tournament gives them all the leverage they need to secure a package closer to their £35 million valuation. With two years left on his contract, a bidding war between the Italian newcomers and Villa looks increasingly likely.

Replacement plans already in motion

Should Chalobah complete a move to Italy, Chelsea have already laid the groundwork to fill the gap. The Blues are working to a clear transfer strategy under Alonso, targeting physically robust, aggressive defenders who can play in a back-three system.

The primary candidate to replace Chalobah is Crystal Palace and France centre-back Maxence Lacroix. Reports indicate Chelsea have held direct club-to-club talks over an estimated £47 million move, with the 26-year-old reportedly keen on the project. Lacroix is currently at the World Cup too, and his Premier League experience and pace make him an ideal fit for the starting XI.

In addition, Chelsea have already finalised a £43 million deal for Atalanta wing-back Marco Palestra. The 21-year-old is a wider defensive option, but his arrival alongside the potential capture of Lacroix signals a complete overhaul of the Blues' backline ahead of the new campaign. Como's opening bid has set the wheels in motion, but with Chelsea holding out for more and other suitors circling, the saga is far from over.