Chelsea have agreed a deal worth more than £30m to sell defender Trevoh Chalobah to Como, with the England international expected to sign a long-term contract with the Italian club.
Como will pay an initial £25.7m for the 27-year-old, while a further £5.1m could be added in bonuses. The overall package follows lengthy negotiations and is close to Chelsea’s valuation of £30m plus £5m in add-ons.
The agreement comes after Como made several offers dating back to early June. Inter Milan had also shown interest in Chalobah.
Chalobah is expected to take on a leadership role under Como manager Cesc Fabregas, who has been keen to sign the defender for more than six months. The former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder has identified Chalobah as a target as Como prepare for Champions League football after finishing fourth in Serie A last season.
The move will bring an end to Chalobah’s association with Chelsea, where he has spent almost 20 years after joining the club as a child. He came through the club’s academy and has represented the senior side, as well as becoming an England international.
His departure is part of Chelsea’s attempts to reduce the size of the squad inherited by new manager Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea have already strengthened their defence with the £52m signing of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace. The 26-year-old brings additional experience and height to the back line.
Despite that arrival, Chelsea still have nine senior centre-backs on their books. The group includes Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Josh Acheampong, Benoit Badiashile, Aaron Anselmino, Axel Disasi and Mamadou Sarr.
The club are keen to find a new home for Disasi and Badiashile, while Sarr or Acheampong could leave on loan. A temporary move to another Premier League club is one possibility for either player.
Chalobah’s exit will therefore help Chelsea reduce the number of defenders competing for places in Alonso’s squad, while allowing the player to begin a new chapter in Italy with a Como side preparing to compete in Europe’s elite club competition.
