Chelsea block AC Milan move for Trevoh Chalobah

Chelsea have reportedly blocked Trevoh Chalobah’s exit this summer, despite widespread speculation that he would join AC Milan on a loan.

According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea have changed their mind and are no longer convinced of letting Chalobah leave. In fact, the Blues have already have informed Inter Milan that Chalobah is not for sale.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a breakout season last campaign, making 31 appearances in all competitions for his boyhood club, chipping in with 4 goals and 2 assists in the process. Following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, it was expected that Chalobah would be given a prominent role in Thomas Tuchel’s side this season.

However, the Blues are on a spending spree this summer to makeover their defence and have been searching for further central defensive reinforcements despite signing Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli. Marc Cucurella has also arrived from Brighton and can play on the left side of the defence.

Moreover, the Blues have now reached a verbal agreement for Wesley Fofana after personal terms for a six-year contract were already agreed upon. Fofana’s arrival is expected to have a significant impact on Chalobah’s future.

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The English centre-back, who sees his current deal at the club expires in 2026, himself was reported to be aware of the situation and said to have pushed for a loan exit to get regular minutes in order to further his development.

He has plenty of suitors with several Serie A clubs, including Inter Milan and AC Milan, as well as a host of Premier League clubs were reportedly keen on the versatile defender. However, Milan leapfrogged the competition and were in a pole position to secure his services.

It was a move that made a lot of sense for all parties involved but it is now understood that Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has blocked the move for the young Englishman who will not be allowed to depart Stamford Bridge in this window. This became more evident after the 23-year-old finally made his first Premier League appearance for Chelsea this season in the 2-1 victory over Leicester City on Saturday in the absence of Koulibaly.

Tuchel considers him a valuable squad player and a direct backup to the Senegalese defender. The Blues hierarchy have also informed Inter and AC Milan of the latest stance, with the defender unlikely to be loaned out this summer.

Milan will have to look elsewhere, and it appears Schalke’s Malick Thiaw is set to join them. Meanwhile, Inter have all but confirmed the signing of Francesco Acerbi from Lazio.