AFC Bournemouth are preparing a fresh assault to secure the services of Chelsea's versatile defender Trevoh Chalobah when the January transfer window opens, the Daily Mail can exclusively reveal.
The South Coast club, under the impressive stewardship of manager Andoni Iraola, had a summer bid for the 24-year-old rebuffed but have not been deterred in their pursuit. Chalobah's name remains firmly at the top of their winter wishlist as they seek to bolster a defence that has shown promise but needs reinforcement.
Chalobah's situation at Stamford Bridge has become increasingly precarious. Despite being a favourite of former boss Thomas Tuchel, the academy graduate has found himself frozen out of new manager Enzo Maresca's plans and is yet to feature this season. With his path to the first team effectively blocked, a mid-season departure appears inevitable for the player seeking regular first-team football.
The Cherries' interest is a testament to Chalobah's proven Premier League pedigree. His ability to slot seamlessly into either a central defensive role or as a right-back offers Iraola invaluable tactical flexibility—a commodity prized in the gruelling Premier League campaign.
While a permanent transfer was discussed during the summer, a loan deal with an option or obligation to buy is now emerging as the most likely structure for any January agreement. This would suit all parties: Bournemouth can manage financial fair play considerations, Chelsea can ensure the player's long-term value is protected, and Chalobah gets the vital playing time he needs.
This potential move signals Bournemouth's ambitious intent to build on their strong start to the season and consolidate their position in the top half of the table, rather than merely battling relegation.
