Chelsea are set to open talks with Trevoh Chalobah over a new contract after Thomas Tuchel told the young defender that he does not want to send him out on loan this season.
Chalobah has worked his way into Tuchel’s plans after a series of strong displays in pre-season and the manager has decided to keep him around the senior squad. The 22-year-old caught the eye during Chelsea’s victory in the Super Cup over Villarreal and he delivered another impressive display after being handed his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace last weekend, scoring in the 3-0 win over Patrick Vieira’s side.
Tuchel has made it clear that he is a fan of Chalobah, who has less than two years remaining on his current deal. The youngster, who has had loan spells at Ipswich, Huddersfield and Lorient, has looked assured on the right side of Chelsea’s back three and is also capable of offering cover in central midfield.
There was still a chance, however, of Chelsea sending Chalobah on loan despite his fine display against Palace. There was interest in him from several Premier League clubs, while Lille and Valencia have also monitored his situation. Chelsea have been on the hunt for defensive reinforcements this summer and have been trying to sign Sevilla’s Jules Koundé. The deal for Kounde has been held up by Chelsea’s struggle to sell Kurt Zouma, whose wage demands have proven too high for West Ham.
However Chalobah’s emergence has given Tuchel another option. Tuchel met with the Londoner on Wednesday to give Chalobah assurances over his future and the club will now seek to reach an agreement with him over a new deal.
Chelsea have sent Emerson Palmieri on a season-long loan to Lyon. The deal does not include an option for the French club to buy the Italy left-back next summer.
