Chelsea reportedly have a battle on their hands to cash in on defender Trevoh Chalobah.
The academy graduate spent much of last season on the sidelines through injury before returning to play a vital role in the Blues backline under Mauricio Pochettino.
In 13 starts made in all competitions during the run-in, Chelsea only lost once, that being by a 1-0 scoreline to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals.
A total of 16 points were accumulated from the final six top-flight fixtures of the season, Chalobah missing just seven minutes when a 5-0 lead had already been established against West Ham United.
Nevertheless, it was revealed on Monday evening that the 25-year-old had been left out of Chelsea's 28-player squad for their pre-season tour of the United States.
That development was accompanied by widespread reports that co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital had decided they want to sell Chalobah at the earliest opportunity.
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Chalobah ready to push back
Boehly and Clearlake, as well as the club's recruitment team, are said to feel that they have enough options at centre-back, despite Chalobah also proving that he is equally capable of being deployed at right-back.
As it stands, there are said to be no plans to include Chalobah in the club's 25-player Premier League squad when it needs to be selected over the coming weeks.
However, according to the Evening Standard, Chalobah is unwilling to accept that his Chelsea career is over without attempting to win back his spot.
Chalobah has racked up 80 appearances for his boyhood club, scoring five goals, and is on a long-term contract until 2028, handed to him by the current ownership.
Boehly and Clearlake know that selling an academy graduate will create substantial leeway in the eyes of the Premier League's and UEFA's financial regulations.
Instead, Chalobah is prepared to dig his feet and not jump at the chance to join a club that does not suit him in the long term.
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Boehly, Clearlake Capital winning no fans
Although Boehly and Clearlake are at Stamford Bridge to run a business and not make friends, they also need to ensure that they do not make enemies.
Chalobah is a likeable member of the squad and is valued by supporters, much like Conor Gallagher who seemingly finds himself in a similar position.
Boehly and Clearlake have been relentless in their pursuit of fresh talent, regardless of whether it has ramifications for key members of the dressing room such as Chalobah and Gallagher.
While Maresca is encouraged to have an opinion over the make-up of his squad, it is reported elsewhere that he is not prepared to dispute the stance on Chalobah.
Darren Plant
