English-Sierra Leonean Trevoh Chalobah set for Como medical

Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah is set to undergo a medical with Como on Wednesday as he closes in on a permanent move to the Serie A club in a deal worth up to £30 million.

The two clubs have reached an agreement for an initial fee of £25m, with a further £5m available in potential add-ons, paving the way for the England international to sign a five-year contract with the Italian side.

Como, who secured Champions League qualification for the 2026-27 season, moved quickly to secure Chalobah’s services after negotiations with Chelsea progressed in recent weeks. The west London club had been targeting a package closer to £35m but have settled on a deal that provides a significant financial return on one of their academy graduates.

The transfer represents another major step in Chelsea’s reshaping of their defensive options after the arrival of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace in a £52m deal.

Chelsea move on from academy graduate

Although Chalobah enjoyed an important role at Chelsea last season, making 47 appearances and starting 31 of their 38 Premier League matches, the club had long considered a sale a possibility.

The defender, who came through the Cobham academy system, was never viewed as untouchable despite his increased involvement under former head coach Enzo Maresca. Chelsea’s hierarchy have consistently looked to generate funds from academy graduates, and Chalobah’s departure provides a significant profit opportunity.

The 27-year-old was also linked with an exit in previous transfer windows, including a deadline-day move to Nottingham Forest in 2023 worth around £25m, which he rejected. A year later, he was removed from Chelsea’s squad number list before eventually joining Crystal Palace on loan.

After returning to Stamford Bridge in January 2025, Chalobah became a regular figure again and played a key role in Chelsea’s success, starting both the Conference League final and Club World Cup final as the club secured a cup double.

However, with Levi Colwill returning from an anterior cruciate ligament injury and Lacroix arriving to strengthen the centre-back department, competition for places was expected to increase ahead of the new season.

A new chapter in Italy awaits

Chalobah’s move to Como offers him the opportunity to become the latest Chelsea academy graduate to make his mark in Serie A.

Former Cobham products including Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tammy Abraham have all experienced Italian football, and Chalobah will now follow their path while joining a club preparing for Champions League football.

The defender’s preference had been to remain at Chelsea, where he signed a long-term contract in 2022 that runs until 2028 with an option for an additional year. However, Como’s project and the chance to work under former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas proved attractive.

World Cup recognition caps Chelsea spell

Chalobah’s final months at Chelsea were highlighted by international recognition after he earned a place in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

He was called up after Tino Livramento withdrew through injury shortly before England’s opening group-stage fixture against Croatia. His only appearance at the tournament came as a late substitute during the 6-4 victory over France in the bronze medal match.

The defender also made his senior England debut in June 2025 during a 3-1 defeat against Senegal, marking his rise from Chelsea’s academy ranks to the international stage.

His departure now becomes part of Chelsea’s wider plan to reduce the number of centre-backs in their squad. Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile are also expected to leave, while Mamadou Sarr is being considered for a domestic loan move.