Fulham have reportedly made Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah a key transfer target for this January transfer window.
The Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino is keen to add reinforcements to his squad before the transfer window closes down and selling him players would give him funds to reinvest in required areas of the pitch. It is understood that he wants to offload Trevoh Chalobah this month to finance a deal for the transfer window’s top target—a striker.
According to TEAMTalk, Fulham have approached Chelsea over a move for Trevoh Chalobah, as Marco Silva wants to bring in a replacement for Tosin Adarabioyo.
Chalobah, 24, has been deemed surplus to requirements by Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge. The Blues would be happy to sell the academy graduate, given their FFP issues. The defender is also fed up with the lack of opportunities he has received since last campaign and is ready to leave Chelsea with the hope of resurrecting his career.
Given Chalobah’s desire to move on from his boyhood club, Fulham would prefer to sign him on loan with an option to buy included at the end of the season, the report adds.
Trevoh Chalobah to Fulham—Good option?
Tosin Adarabioyo has entered the final six months of his contract at Fulham, so the defender is eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club. He almost left the Cottagers in the summer but saw moves to AS Monaco and Tottenham Hotspur fall through. However, the Nigerian defender’s return to form and fitness has stirred interest, and while Marco Silva and the club want to keep hold of him, he is open to an exit in this transfer window.
Interest remains from rival clubs over a potential cut-price deal this month and Fulham are well aware it could be their last chance to cash in on Adarabioyo. The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to AC Milan of late, and if the Cottagers decide to cash him in, they could make a move for Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah as a potential replacement.
Chalobah is yet to make a single appearance for Chelsea this season after being frozen out of the squad by the manager. The 24-year-old remains a bit-part player at Chelsea and is only likely to get minutes as and when any first-choice defenders are injured or Pochettino decides they need a rest. With that said, a move to Fulham could work out well for the defender.
During Chalobah’s time at Stamford Bridge, he has contributed to five goals in 63 games across all competitions. He has previously proven himself to be a competent player for the West London giants, particularly under former manager Thomas Tuchel, so could become a solid addition to Fulham’s defensive ranks. Capable of playing in central defence, at full-back and in defensive midfield, his versatility could come in handy for Silva.
As Italian clubs Napoli and AS Roma are also admirers of Chalobah, Fulham must firm up their interest in the defender and look to sign him before the transfer window slams shut.
