Transfer Centre

Fulham 'ready to push for loan deal for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 18 January 2024

Fulham 'ready to push for Chalobah loan deal'

Fulham are reportedly keen to negotiate a loan deal for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah before the end of the January transfer window.

Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Fulham.

Chalobah has endured a frustrating first half of the campaign, initially dropping down the pecking order before suffering a thigh injury.

That issue has kept the academy graduate on the sidelines for the majority of the campaign, preventing him from making a single competitive appearance.

While Mauricio Pochettino revealed at a press conference last week that the 24-year-old was closing in on a return to first-team training, it has long been accepted that he is out of favour.

Previous interest from the likes of Bayern Munich and Nottingham Forest no longer exists, with the German giants having signed Eric Dier and Forest now under new management.

Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah in action with Manchester City's Jack Grealish on November 9, 2022 © Reuters

However, there is every expectation that a resolution will eventually be found for Chalobah over the next two weeks with Chelsea needing to protect his value if a permanent transfer cannot be facilitated.

Earlier this week, Napoli were credited with an interest in the versatile defender, who can also be deployed as a holding midfielder.

According to Sky Sport Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenburg, though, Fulham are ready to try to win the race for Chalobah's signature.

Discussions have allegedly taken place with regards to a loan switch for the remainder of the season, with Fulham possessing an option to buy later in 2024.

Fulham manager Marco Silva reacts on January 5, 2024 © Reuters

Marco Silva has recently witnessed his side suffer four defeats in five Premier League matches, most recently away at Chelsea by a 1-0 scoreline.

The Cottagers also possess the fourth-worst defensive record in the division, while key centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo has less than six months remaining on his contract.

While it is plausible that the 26-year-old could see out the campaign at Craven Cottage, Silva is eager for another central-defensive option to boost his squad.

Chalobah has previously been valued in the region of £25m, a fee that Fulham may be against paying until he has proven his fitness on the back of no competitive football since May.