Aston Villa has set its sights on Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah as a potential replacement for Diego Carlos, who is currently attracting interest from Fulham and West Ham. With other Premier League clubs such as Crystal Palace and West Ham also showing interest in the defender, Chelsea has set a £35 million price tag on him.
Chalobah, who played a minor role for the Blues last season with 17 appearances across all competitions, is now drawing attention from several Premier League clubs. Mauricio Pochettino favored Thiago Silva and Axel Disasi over him in his centre-back partnership. Consequently, the Cobham graduate was left out of the squad for the pre-season tour of the United States.
Manchester United, Tottenham, Newcastle, West Ham and Crystal Palace have all been linked with this centre-back. Journalist Matt Law suggests that Aston Villa is also joining this race to secure Chalobah's services. This comes amidst speculation that they might lose their 31-year-old player Carlos this summer after Fulham had a bid rejected for him.
From Cobham to Premier League stardom
Chalobah developed his skills at Chelsea's prestigious Cobham academy before breaking into their first team during the 2021/22 season following impressive loan spells at Ipswich Town FC, Huddersfield Town FC and Lorient FC. Having made 80 appearances for Chelsea's first team so far in his career at Stamford Bridge.
However due to an excess of central defenders within Enzo Maresca's ensemble coupled with club policy of selling academy products to comply with profit and sustainability rules; Trevoh Chalobah finds himself surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge despite being described as a "monster" due to his steady performances over recent years.
The battle for Chalobah intensifies
Crystal Palace, West Ham and Manchester United have all shown interest in the player. Spurs and Newcastle are also reportedly interested, leading to Chelsea demanding a hefty £35 million to sanction a sale.
Villa Park has now emerged as another potential destination for Chalobah. Unai Emery may be forced into the centre-back market with veteran Carlos eager to leave the West Midlands for a club that promises more playing time. Fulham, West Ham and various Saudi Pro-League clubs are also contenders, with Chalobah being considered as a replacement.
Aston Villa's pursuit of Trevoh Chalobah is set against an increasingly competitive backdrop. With multiple Premier League clubs vying for his signature, it remains to be seen where this talented defender will land next season.
