Romano drops key update on Chelsea’s January transfer plans

Romano drops key update on Chelsea’s January transfer plans

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Chelsea are likely to move for a new centre-back in the January transfer window, with Trevoh Chalobah expected to depart.

Chalobah, 24, hasn’t played a single minute of action this campaign due to injury and the Englishman is “99% likely” to leave his boyhood club during the winter window in search of regular game time.

The summer arrival of Axel Disasi and Levi Colwill’s return from his loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion means that Chalobah has fallen down the pecking order significantly at Stamford Bridge and is set for a new challenge in January.

Bayern Munich and Nottingham Forest were both heavily interested during the summer, while Tottenham Hotspur has also been touted as a possible destination, although he would likely be a back-up option under Ange Postecoglou thanks to the presence of vice-captain Christian Romero.

Either way, Chalobah looks set to leave Chelsea, with the Blues aiming to sign a replacement shortly after his exit is confirmed, as per transfer expert Romano.

What has Romano said?

Romano told his CaughtOffside Daily Briefing column: “In terms of centre-backs, I expect Chelsea to sell Trevoh Chalobah, it seems 99% likely because he wants to play football.

“Chelsea also believe that the best plan is to part ways in January. I have no update on clubs pursuing him yet, it’s no longer a concrete negotiation with Bayern after a deal collapsed back in August.

“I would then expect Chelsea to try to bring in a new centre-back. They are exploring options on the market, but there is still nothing decided, they are still assessing options, but it’s certainly a position they want to cover in.”

Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba is reportedly on Chelsea’s radar, with Manchester United also interested, although concrete talks with a new centre-back have not yet begun.