Chelsea Eye Swap Deal for Trevoh Chalobah to Bolster Defense
Chelsea are considering a swap deal involving Trevoh Chalobah as a way to address their defensive concerns for the upcoming Premier League season.
The 25-year-old defender has been exiled from Chelsea’s first-team squad, currently training with the Under-21s, and was left out of their pre-season tour of the USA.
An academy graduate, Chalobah is valued between £25 million and £30 million, thanks to his contract that runs until 2028. Chelsea are aware that selling him would help them adhere to the league’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) for 2024-25.
Despite interest from Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, there are few clubs willing to meet Chelsea’s financial demands for the player. Chalobah himself has shown a preference for a move to Inter Milan.
Chelsea have signed two center-backs this summer: Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham and Aaron Anselmino from Boca Juniors for £17 million.
However, Anselmino won’t join the squad until January 2025 at the earliest, as he will be loaned back to Boca, and Adarabioyo’s performances in pre-season have raised some doubts. Chelsea only managed one win in their five pre-season matches, conceding 12 goals in total, indicating a need for further defensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes.
Chelsea are reportedly interested in bringing back their former academy player Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. Guehi, who was sold to Palace in 2021 for £20 million, has significantly increased in value, now estimated at £65 million. Chelsea are entitled to 20% of the profit on Guehi’s next transfer, thanks to a sell-on clause in his contract.
Newcastle is reportedly ready to bid £60 million for Guehi, which would earn Chelsea £10 million from the sell-on clause. This would leave Palace with £50 million to replace their star defender and strengthen other areas.
However, Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who has already seen Michael Olise leave this summer, faces the challenge of replacing Guehi.
A swap deal involving Chalobah, along with a significant payment from Chelsea, could be beneficial for both clubs.
Chelsea would be able to bring in a top defender without spending a large portion of their transfer budget, while Palace would receive a replacement for Guehi and additional funds.
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, understands the need for a strong defensive lineup and is keen to offload Chalobah. Meanwhile, Guehi is reportedly interested in a move this summer, and Newcastle may struggle to meet Palace’s asking price. If Chelsea enter the race, it could result in a mutually beneficial outcome for all parties involved.
Chelsea Eye Swap Deal for Trevoh Chalobah to Bolster Defense
