Como have reached an agreement to sign Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah in a deal worth more than £30 million, according to BBC Sport. The Italian club will pay Chelsea an initial £25.7m, with up to £5.1m in add-ons.

The 27-year-old is set to put pen to paper on a long-term contract and take on a leadership role at Como under manager Cesc Fabregas. The club secured a place in the UEFA Champions League last season after finishing fourth in Serie A.

Fabregas's long pursuit pays off

Fabregas, the former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder, had identified Chalobah as a key target more than six months ago and remained persistent throughout protracted negotiations. Interest from Inter Milan added competition for the defender's signature, but Como ultimately prevailed at a fee close to Chelsea's asking price of £30m plus £5m in add-ons.

Chalobah, who joined Chelsea as a child, will depart his boyhood club after close to 20 years — bringing an end to a long association with Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea's defensive reshuffle

The transfer is part of a broader effort by new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso to trim a bloated squad. Chelsea already have nine senior centre-backs on their books, including Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Josh Acheampong, Benoit Badiashile, Aaron Anselmino, Axel Disasi, and Mamadou Sarr.

The club recently signed Maxence Lacroix, 26, from Crystal Palace for £52m, adding height and experience to their defensive options. Further departures are expected, with Chelsea keen to move on Disasi and Badiashile, while Sarr or Acheampong could go out on loan — potentially to another Premier League side.