Transfer Centre

Inter Milan 'pushing to sign Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 01 June 2023

Inter Milan 'pushing to sign Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah'

Inter Milan are allegedly making a sustained effort to sign Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah during the summer transfer window.

Inter Milan have allegedly identified Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah as a key summer transfer target.

The Italian giants are currently preparing to face Torino in Serie A, where they are guaranteed a top-four finish, and the Champions League final versus Manchester City on June 10.

However, having lost 12 league fixtures during 2022-23 and trailing champions Napoli by 18 points, changes will be made to the first-team squad.

Chelsea and Inter officials are expected to be in constant discussions with each other over the coming weeks, a consequence of interest in players at the opposite clubs.

Inter are likely to be keen to either extend Romelu Lukaku's loan or turn it into a permanent stay, while Chelsea have been heavily linked with Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana.

Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring their first goal on February 18, 2023 © Reuters

Nevertheless, such are the financial issues at each club that part-exchanges are not out of the question as they bid to keep on the right side of FFP.

Regardless of whether that occurs, the Evening Standard says that Inter are ready to make a sustained effort to sign Chalobah.

As recently as November, Chalobah signed a new long-term contract at Stamford Bridge, keeping him tied to the West Londoners until the end of 2027-28.

The academy graduate has enjoyed varying levels of game time under different managers this season, going on to make 22 starts and nine substitute outings in the Premier League and Champions League.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) coach Mauricio Pochettino on March 20, 2022 © Reuters

Chalobah's versatility has proven key with Chelsea being short of fit right-backs at times this campaign, as well as frequent switching between a back three and four.

Nevertheless, earlier this week, it was reported that the 23-year-old could be one of 15 players who depart Chelsea over the coming weeks as they quickly look to raise funds.

The report says that Inter are prepared to meet Chelsea's asking price of £25m as they bid to freshen up their ageing defence and reducing numbers with fresh faces.

While Francesco Acerbi is now 35 years of age, fellow first-team regular Milan Skriniar is expected to link up with Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

Furthermore, Stefan de Vrij's contract is due to expire at the end of the month, making it imperative that Inter focus on signing new centre-backs ahead of next season.