football.london understands that Chelsea and Inter Milan are currently negotiating the transfer of Trevoh Chalobah. The two clubs are discussing a loan with an obligation to buy, but the Blues want a buy-back clause – which is thought to be a stumbling block. Talks are ongoing.
The 23-year-old defender has been heavily linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge recently as Mauricio Pochettino looks to trim down a bloated squad. While Chalobah has impressed when called upon, the Cobham graduate faces an increasingly uncertain future in west London.
He featured 33 times for Chelsea last season, primarily operating as a centre-half before slotting in at right-back to cover for Reece James. Chalobah's performances have clearly attracted the interest of Inter, and football.london understand that they're expected to push hard for his signature.
It's said that the defender's versatility is a key selling point and the Nerazzurri think their formation and play style will suit him. With the European Championships next year, Chalobah wants to challenge for a place in the England squad, so game time is his priority.
While he hasn't had the chance to impress newly-appointed Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino yet, he certainly left a good impression on Frank Lampard. In May, the former Chelsea caretaker boss heaped great praise on Chalobah, suggesting why he so sought after.
"I was looking forward to working with Trev, because I didn’t get that chance when I was here before," said the former Chelsea caretaker manager. "In my short period here, you look at the individual performances and I’ve been very happy.
"It’s been nice and I appreciate what a high-level player he is. The bigger picture is the way he’s applying himself since I’ve come back.
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"He’s a delight to train with every day because he comes in with enthusiasm. He’s low maintenance, and when you talk about the things you want, he tries to do them on the pitch — which is a great thing."
Chalobah hasn't been the only Chelsea player to work his way onto Inter's radar this summer – so has Romelu Lukaku. The 29-year-old striker spent last season on loan with the Italian giants and, while he didn't exactly cover himself in glory in the Champions League final, he's been linked with a return.
