Crystal Palace look set to miss out on Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, who had been on the club's wishlist, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Eagles are eyeing a new centre-back amid growing speculation over Maxence Lacroix's future. The Frenchman is heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, and the Blues are open to selling Chalobah.
Pierre Sage has already been handed a headache just weeks into his reign at Selhurst Park. The South Londoners were interested in Charlie Cresswell, but the Englishman is set to join Rennes from fellow French club Toulouse.
Chalobah prefers Italy over Crystal Palace
Trevoh Chalobah
Chelsea had reportedly considered including Chalobah in a swap deal to take Lacroix across London. talkSPORT claimed that Xabi Alonso was prepared to use the England international Tosin Adarabioyo, Axel Disasi, or Benoit Badiashile to help sweeten a deal.
Romano has essentially ruled Palace out of the race for Chalobah, despite the likelihood that he will leave Stamford Bridge. He reports that the 26-year-old wants to play in Italy and he has two options.
Talks are "underway" between Chalobah's agents and Inter Milan, while Cesc Fabregas' Como are also eyeing the defender who could cost £35m. His wish to move to Serie A means a return to Selhurst Park is now ruled out.
Chalobah, dubbed "flawless", spent the first half of the 2024-25 campaign on loan with the Eagles and impressed despite making just 14 appearances. Chelsea recalled the player due to an injury crisis, a move that frustrated the South London outfit.
Palace can sign a better Lacroix replacement
maxence lacroix
Palace's transfer chiefs need to act quickly if Lacroix leaves, and failing to land Chalobah as his replacement wouldn't be a massive blow. They have alternatives in mind, including Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande, who is arguably a superior option.
Diomande has been on the Eagles' radar for quite some time and has earned a glowing reputation in Liga Portugal. Football Insider reports that the club are ready to pounce for the 22-year-old amid Lacroix's potential move to Chelsea.
The Ivorian enjoyed a superb past season, in which he made 31 appearances across competitions. He possesses physicality along with impressive technical ability that could suit Sage's system.
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