Trevoh Chalobah has reportedly made his transfer preference clear after Chelsea offered the England World Cup defender to Premier League rivals Crystal Palace as part of a swap deal.
Chalobah chooses Inter Milan over Palace and Como
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chalobah's preference is to move to Italy, with his agents currently in Milan to discuss personal terms with Inter Milan. The 26-year-old, who has made 151 appearances for Chelsea since his debut under Thomas Tuchel in 2021, has been told he is free to leave this summer.
Chelsea have rejected a £22 million bid from Cesc Fabregas' Como, holding out for £35 million. Como are not out of the race, though it is said the asking price will prove too steep for them. Inter Milan also remain interested in his services.
Chelsea offer Chalobah to Crystal Palace in swap deal
talkSPORT reports that Chalobah is one of four players Chelsea have offered to Crystal Palace as they look to sign Maxence Lacroix. The others are Tosin Adarabioyo, Axel Disasi, and Benoit Badiashile. Palace are preparing to play in the Europa League for the first time and need reinforcements.
Xabi Alonso, the Palace manager, wants to sign Lacroix and is hoping a swap deal may sweeten the agreement. It is not known whether Adarabioyo, Disasi, or Badiashile would appeal to Palace, who are also looking at former Leeds United and England U21 star Charlie Cresswell as a potential Lacroix replacement.
Chalobah's previous loan spell at Palace
Chalobah spent the first half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Selhurst Park after being exiled from Enzo Maresca's first team, but was suddenly recalled amid an injury crisis at Stamford Bridge. He greatly impressed during his loan spell, with then-manager Oliver Glasner expressing interest in signing him permanently.
World Cup involvement
Chalobah is yet to play at the 2026 World Cup but may feature against Mexico in the round of 16 on Monday morning, amid an injury crisis at right-back. Reece James, Jarrell Quansah, and Declan Rice are doubts for the game, while Djed Spence struggled in the round of 32 win over DR Congo. Chalobah has played at right-back before or may even be drafted in to start at centre-back with Ezri Konsa shifted to the full-back position.
