Finally, Chelsea’s long-delayed defensive rationalisation has gained real traction, with Xabi Alonso presiding over the disassembly of an absurdly congested backline. Como have verbal agreement to sign Trevoh Chalobah for a fixed fee of €30m plus €6m add-ons and a sell-on clause.
The Cobham graduate leaves having thoroughly earned his status at a club he joined as a schoolboy. Chalobah made 47 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring three goals, but the Blues decided to sell after Levi Colwill returned to full fitness and new signing Maxence Lacroix arrived from Crystal Palace. Cesc Fabregas will give him a leadership remit at Como, who finished fourth to get Champions League qualification.
Benoit Badiashile, meanwhile, looks as disposable in Alonso’s reconfigured pecking order after a wretchedly peripheral campaign. Chelsea and Napoli have made great strides towards a loan deal with an option to buy the 25-year-old who only made eight Premier League appearances last season. Massimiliano Allegri has reportedly spoken with the Frenchman and given the signing his nod, although Juventus are still trying to lure him to Turin.
Meanwhile, Tosin Adarabioyo is in a more ambiguous position despite his acknowledged influence in the dressing room. Chelsea’s hierarchy will now listen to offers for the 28-year-old, who joined on a Bosman from Fulham in 2024, as the club looks to trim numbers and comply with financial regulations. They continue to monitor his situation, with a loan to Strasbourg still possible if the interest from Serie A does not go ahead.
Alonso has spoken publicly of his desire to have four or five recognised centre-backs available, but the capture of Lacroix has taken Chelsea’s central defensive options up to ten. The Blues are said to be aiming for a combined £90m from the sales of Chalobah, Disasi and Badiashile.
Crystal Palace speed up Axel Disasi chase with West Ham waiting in the wings
Axel Disasi’s long-running Stamford Bridge purgatory may finally end in London rather than abroad with Crystal Palace in pole position. The Eagles had made a loan offer with a buying obligation and had identified the France international as their main alternative for Lacroix after his £52m move.
The 28-year-old has done much to restore his tarnished reputation during an otherwise chastening loan spell in east London. He made 17 appearances for West Ham, starting 16 of those games, and scored once but couldn’t stop them from being relegated to the Championship.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s Hammers still harbour ambitions of a reunion but the rumours favour Selhurst Park. Talks between the clubs are ongoing, but there is no conclusion, and Serie A suitors could still pounce if Palace slip up. Disasi is now more likely to leave permanently before the 1 September deadline.