West Bromwich Albion ‘haven’t given up’ on signing Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah, according to a report from Birmingham Live journalist Joseph Chapman.
The lowdown
Chalobah spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Ligue 1 outfit FC Lorient, starting 24 games and making a further five substitute appearances.
He excels at dribbling, shooting from distance and above all interceptions, ranking in the league’s top 10 last season with 2.4 per 90 minutes (via WhoScored).
Chalobah, who can operate as a defensive midfielder as well as a centre-back, is said to be ‘realistic’ about his limited prospects at Stamford Bridge (via The Athletic).
He has two years left on his contract and is valued at £3.15million by Transfermarkt.
The latest
The report says that the Baggies remain hopeful of landing Chalobah during this summer’s transfer window.
The issue is that the player’s availability has apparently ‘alerted a number’ of potential suitors.
As a result, the competition for the 22-year-old’s signature is described as ‘stern’.
West Brom are closing in on another midfielder, though, in the form of free agent Adam Reach.
The verdict
It’s no surprise to see so much interest in a young talent like Chalobah, who shone in a Lorient side that only avoided relegation by two points.
In all likelihood, West Brom’s chances will depend on whether he’s been offered the opportunity to play regular Premier League football.
If not, then they’ll be able to land themselves an excellent replacement for Okay Yokuslu. And if they’re promoted, he should be able to make the step-up with them given his showings in the French top flight.
In other news, there’s fresh interest in this Baggies ace.