West Ham transfer for Trevoh Chalobah on cards as Chelsea news emerges
West Ham transfer target Trevoh Chalobah has seen his price tag drop dramatically, after Chelsea told Inter Milan it would only cost £21.5million to prise the defender away from Stamford Bridge, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
Di Marzio shared in his report on 11 August that Inter has reentered discussions with Chelsea, but the new price tag quoted is some way short of the £45million reported by Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian [31 July] when West Ham were linked with the defender.
The new cost of this transfer could open the door for West Ham to move again, adding further depth and Premier League experience to their backline after a deal was agreed to sign Harry Maguire [Sky Sports, 11 August].
Strength in depth
David Moyes has deployed Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma as his centre-back pairing for the Hammers’ opening day fixture against Bournemouth, but the arrival of Maguire could see the Scotsman deploy a back three, with all options slotting in.
Bringing in Chalobah would allow them to strengthen that transition, with his experience playing in a three under both Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter at Chelsea, while adding depth to what is already a strong defence.
The deal would also fall in line with Moyes’ desire to bring in homegrown players with Premier League experience, as well as the overall club goal to sign younger, fresher players who could play a role in the squad for years to come.
At 24 years old, Chalobah would represent the youngest option in that West Ham defence, with Aguerd aged 27, Zouma 28 and Maguire 30. Getting a deal over the line now would prevent a scramble for new additions when it becomes clear that the older contingent need replacing.
In other West Ham news, the club want to sign a Serie A winger in a loan-to-buy deal.