Chelsea have received an improved £25m offer from Como for Trevoh Chalobah as they finalise a £52m deal for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, according to reports.
Lacroix deal close
Lacroix signalled his intention to leave Selhurst Park at the end of last season, with Chelsea quickly moving to the front of the queue. Talks have progressed quickly, and the France international is now poised to complete a £52m move across the capital. Lacroix would become Chelsea’s third signing since Xabi Alonso’s arrival, after Marco Palestra and Morgan Rogers.
Chalobah interest
Lacroix’s arrival may allow Chelsea to sanction the exit of another defender, with Chalobah attracting interest from Serie A side Como. Chalobah is said to be keen on the move and the chance to work under Cesc Fabregas, although Chelsea have already rejected one bid. Fabrizio Romano reports that Como have returned with a second offer worth around £22m with £3m more possible in add-ons. However, Chelsea value Chalobah at closer to £30m and are expected to turn down the bid.
Chalobah has made 151 appearances for Chelsea since coming through the club’s academy and is under contract until summer 2028. The Blues have already let four first-team players leave this summer, including Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrique George, Andrey Santos, and Marc Cucurella. Nicolas Jackson’s future is uncertain, with Unai Emery keen on reuniting with the striker at Aston Villa. Enzo Fernandez also faces an uncertain future after making it clear he would like a fresh challenge. Asked about Fernandez’s future, Alonso said: ‘Yes, we have spoken, but as you can understand, what we have spoken remains private.’
