Transfer News: AC Milan are eyeing a move for Chelsea defender

AC Milan set their sights on Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah

AC Milan have emerged as suitors for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah and could make a move for the 24-year-old, according to a report from TeamTalk (h/t Football.london ).

Chalobah has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino this season after rising through the club’s academy. He needs to be playing regularly and that appears unlikely at Stamford Bridge anytime soon.

With his lack of playing time, Chalobah has been linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge. And Serie A giants Milan appear interested in securing his services. The Italian giants have shown cracks in their defence after a good start to the season and now find themselves fall down the standings.

Chalobah is looking to get regular playing time

Per the report, Chelsea could demand around £45 million to let Chalobah leave in January.

However, there is purportedly some flexibility in that asking price, with Chelsea eager to sell fringe players like Chalobah to raise funds for their winter window spending spree. Come January manager Mauricio Pochettino will be looking to sign a more clinical striker to solve their immediate goal-scoring woes.

While reluctant to leave Stamford Bridge, Chalobah recognizes he needs regular minutes at this stage of his career to continue his development. Staying to fight for his place under Pochettino is not seen as a realistic avenue back into the first team.

A January transfer seems the likeliest outcome, and AC Milan appears best positioned to offer an escape route for the out-of-favour centre-back. Bringing Chalobah’s blend of physicality, technique and upside to the San Siro appeals greatly to the Rossoneri.

Milan face competition for the 24-year-old’s signature, with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund also said to be admirers, along with Premier League side Manchester United. But the seven-time European champions can offer Chalobah a prominent role in Stefano Pioli’s squad as they push to reclaim the Serie A title this season. Guaranteed game time could give Milan the edge.

Chalobah may also favour remaining in one of Europe’s top five leagues should he move on from Chelsea. A switch to Milan would allow him to showcase his ability at the highest levels on a weekly basis. For Chelsea, losing homegrown prospects like Chalobah will frustrate supporters further after high-profile academy graduates such as Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Lewis Hall were sold last summer.

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But cashing in on Chalobah would give Pochettino more leeway to shape the squad to his liking. And with his pathway blocked, Chalobah’s promising career would benefit from the opportunity Milan can provide.