Thomas Tuchel has come to a conclusion on the future of Trevoh Chalobah following Chelsea's apparent agreement with Leicester City for the signing of Wesley Fofana. Since the Foxes defender has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, the Cobham graduate seemingly faced an increasingly uncertain future in west London.
But, according to Sky Sports, the Blues have informed Inter Milan that Chalobah is not for sale. The 23-year-old looked set to leave - whether it be a loan or a permanent move - in order to make way for Fofana, however that is now said to not be the case.
It's said that Chalobah, who sees his current deal at the club expire in 2026, has concerns over his game time amid fears that signing Fofana will block his pathway. However, a first start of the season against Brendan Rodgers' side handed the former England youth international the chance to impress Tuchel in the absence of the suspended Kalidou Koulibaly.
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Speaking to football.london, the Blues boss spoke of Chalobah's turbulent fortunes of late. Tuchel said: "Trevoh plays as a direct replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly who is suspended, so it was an easy decision for us.
"He feels a little bit the pressure of a different role for him this season. Last year he came into the side as somewhat of an underdog, the challenger trying to break into the side because nobody knew too much of what he could offer.
"Now I have a feeling that he is growing as a player and he’s putting a lot of pressure and expectation on himself. This is a normal progression for a young player like Trevoh and we have the belief in him. Today is his chance to show this and usually we can always rely on him to perform."
Chelsea's decision to retain Chalobah's services follows the potential arrival of Fofana, who - as aforementioned - once looked set to force the defender out of Tuchel's first-team. football.london understand that the Blues returned with a fourth bid for the Frenchman, worth a guaranteed £70million with further add-ons.
While an announcement from either club is yet to have been made, Fofana has taken to Twitter to unofficially confirm his move. Gary Lineker quote retweeted Fabrizio Romano's tweet which announced that the 21-year-old's move to Chelsea is near completion.
Gutted to lose him but wish @Wesley_Fofanaa well. Every player wants to play @ChampionsLeague football so it’s understandable. @ChelseaFC fans, you’ve got the most prodigiously talented young central defender in the world. Yes, I believe he’s that good. https://t.co/iq1TjycLkD
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker)
The Match of the Day presenter's tweet read: "Gutted to lose him but wish @Wesley_Fofanaa well. Every player wants to play @ChampionsLeague football so it’s understandable. @ChelseaFC fans, you’ve got the most prodigiously talented young central defender in the world. Yes, I believe he’s that good."
To which Fofana replied: "Thanks LEGEND."
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