Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, has removed defender Trevor Chalobah from the first-team squad.
The 25-year-old, a product of Chelsea’s esteemed academy, has been dropped from the pre-season tour squad, effectively signaling the end of his time at Stamford Bridge.
Chalobah, who has been a part of Chelsea’s senior setup since 2018, has already accepted that his future lies away from the club.
In recent weeks, he has been training with the Under-21 development squad, a clear indication that he is not in Maresca’s plans for the upcoming season.
His exclusion from the first team has attracted significant interest from Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, both of whom are reportedly keen to secure his services.
During his time with the Under-21s, Chalobah featured in a friendly match against Boreham Wood, further solidifying the notion that his exit from Chelsea is imminent.
According to reports from The Telegraph, Chalobah has not been alone in his demotion; fellow Chelsea players Armando Broja and Romelu Lukaku have also been training with the Under-21s and are likely to follow him out of the club.
Maresca’s decision to move Chalobah and others out of the first-team setup appears to be influenced by the club’s need to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
In a statement earlier this week, the Chelsea manager acknowledged the financial pressures that are forcing the club to offload homegrown talents, despite their potential and contributions to the team.
As the transfer window remains open, Chalobah’s future will be closely monitored, with his next move likely to be one of the major talking points of Chelsea’s summer dealings.