Chelsea Close In on 13th Summer Transfer After Final Breakthrough

According to a report by FootballTransfers on Thursday, July 16, 2026, Como are on the verge of completing one of the standout defensive signings of the summer, with Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah expected to join Cesc Fabregas’ ambitious project after the Italian club reportedly moved ahead of Inter Milan in the race for his signature.

According to Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Como have already reached an agreement with Chelsea over the transfer fee, while a meeting has been scheduled to complete the remaining formalities.

The newly crowned Champions League participants are now confident of securing the England international before the new campaign begins.

Fabregas has identified Chalobah as one of his priority targets throughout the transfer window, and after weeks of negotiations, Como appear set to land the defender despite strong competition from Inter.

The 27-year-old is also understood to be eager to make the move as Fabregas continues building a squad capable of competing on both domestic and European fronts.

Although Chalobah re-established himself as an important member of Chelsea’s first team after returning from his loan spell at Crystal Palace in January 2025, his long-term future at Stamford Bridge has remained uncertain.

With only two years left on his current contract, Chelsea are prepared to approve his departure following their failure to qualify for European competition last season.

Inter had been widely viewed as the favourites to sign the England defender for much of the summer, but Como have accelerated negotiations in recent days and now appear to have won the battle for his services.

Chalobah featured prominently for Chelsea during the 2025-26 season, making 47 appearances in all competitions and contributing three goals.

His performances also earned him a late place in England’s World Cup squad after Valentino Livramento suffered an injury before the tournament.

However, despite making the squad, Chalobah was one of only two outfield players—alongside Kobbie Mainoo—who did not feature during England’s World Cup campaign in North America.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have remained one of Europe’s busiest clubs in the transfer market under the BlueCo ownership.

The club have already completed 12 first-team and academy-related transfers this summer as Xabi Alonso continues reshaping his squad.

New arrivals include Marco Palestra, Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha, Dastan Satpaev and Denner, while Marc Cucurella, Andrey Santos, Tyrique George, Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Frankie Runham have all departed on permanent deals.

The Blues are also expected to sanction more exits before the transfer window closes on September 1.

Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Alejandro Garnacho, David Datro Fofana and Filip Jorgensen are all among the players who could leave permanently, while highly rated youngster Shim Mheuka is available for a loan move.

Chelsea’s recruitment drive is also far from over.

The Premier League side remain expected to complete deals for Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco and Rayo Vallecano defender Pep Chavarria, while discussions continue over Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, who remains the club’s leading defensive target.