Como have submitted a bid of €25 million, plus a potential €2 million in bonuses, for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, according to reports in Italy. The newly promoted Serie A side, preparing for their first ever Champions League campaign, are looking to bolster their defensive options ahead of the new season.
Manager Cesc Fabregas is aiming to have a near-complete squad when the pre-season training camp begins in mid-July, emphasizing the importance of both tactical and behavioral conditioning for his players. Currently, Fabregas only has Ramon and Kempf as established centre-backs, with Diego Carlos returning to Fenerbahce after a loan spell and Goldaniga recovering from a long-term injury.
Chalobah, 26, brings significant experience, having made 117 Premier League appearances, 29 in Ligue 1 with Lorient, and 17 Champions League appearances. His profile aligns well with Fabregas’s tactical approach, possessing both physical attributes – standing at 1.92m – and technical ability, honed from a previous role as a midfielder. Chalobah boasts a pass completion rate of around 90 percent and is also capable of playing as a right-sided centre-back in a three-man defense, a system Fabregas has indicated he may utilize more frequently.
Chelsea are reportedly holding out for €30 million plus €5 million in add-ons, citing interest from other clubs. However, Como’s recent financial commitment to re-sign Nico Paz from Real Madrid for €60 million, payable over four years, may influence their transfer strategy, potentially shifting focus to more affordable options. As an alternative, Como are also considering Davinson Sanchez, a 30-year-old Colombian defender currently at Galatasaray, who they previously tracked last summer. Galatasaray value Sanchez around €18 million. While Sanchez offers a different profile – a more traditional stopper – he brings considerable international experience, with 68 Champions League and Europa League appearances, and 65 caps for Colombia.
