Trevoh Chalobah feels he is being forced out of Chelsea against his will after being left out of the club’s pre-season tour and the defender is expected to assess his options before deciding whether to leave.
The 25-year-old was a surprise exclusion when the squad for the five-match tour of the United States was confirmed on Monday, and Chelsea are expected to step up attempts to sell him. But the former England Under-21 defender, who made 13 Premier League appearances last season after returning from a thigh injury, is understood to have been left shocked by his exclusion having started training under the new manager, Enzo Maresca.
Chalobah, who joined Chelsea at the age of nine and would therefore be bankable as pure profit for accounting purposes if sold, has several admirers in the Premier League and beyond. But he is said to be determined not to rush to sign for the first team that make an offer and will weigh up any opportunities for a permanent move.
Chalobah’s camp is believed to be very disappointed with Chelsea’s decision given it is less than two years since he was rewarded with a contract to 2028, with an option for a further year. “‘We’re delighted that Trevoh will be extending his stay with Chelsea,” said the chairman, Todd Boehly, and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali at the time. “He has been with us since childhood and has grown into an exceptional young player. He’s an important part of our men’s first team squad and we’re excited to see what’s next for Trevoh at Chelsea.”
The arrival of Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer and return to fitness of Wesley Fofana mean Chalobah’s opportunities may be limited in central defence under Maresca and he has been linked with West Ham and Crystal Palace.
There are also doubts over the future of Conor Gallagher, who is on holiday after his participation at the Euros. Atlético Madrid are thought to be strongly interested in the England midfielder.
Chelsea are believed to be in the market for another goalkeeper, with Villarreal’s Filip Jörgensen a possible replacement for Djordje Petrovic. Chelsea face Wrexham on Wednesday in San Francisco before heading to Indiana to play Celtic on Saturday.
