Como have tabled an improved offer for Trevoh Chalobah as Chelsea look to finalise a deal for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, according to reports.
Lacroix signalled his intention to leave Selhurst Park at the end of last season with Chelsea quickly moving to the front of the queue for his services.
Talks have progressed quickly over the last week with the France international now poised to complete a £52million move across the capital.
Lacroix would become Chelsea’s third signing since Xabi Alonso’s arrival after the Blues completed deals for Marco Palestra and Morgan Rogers.
And his arrival may allow Chelsea to sanction the exit of another defender, with Chalobah attracting a great deal of interest from Serie A side Como.
Chalobah is said to be keen on the move and the chance to work under Cesc Fabregas, although Chelsea have already rejected a bid for the 27-year-old, who was recently away with England at the World Cup.
Fabrizio Romano now reports that the Italian club have returned with a second worth around £22million with £3m more possible in achievable add-ons.
However, Chelsea value Chalobah at closer to £30m and so are expected to turn down the bid.
Chalobah has made 151 appearances for Chelsea since coming through the club’s academy and is under contract at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2028.
The Blues have already let four first-team players leave this summer, with Alejandro Garnacho the latest after the Argentine joined Aston Villa on an initial loan with an option to buy.
Tyrique George and Andrey Santos have also left for Premier League rivals, joining Everton and Manchester United, respectively.
And Marc Cucurella has returned to Spain after Real Madrid struck a £51.8m deal for the World Cup winner.
Elsewhere, Nicolas Jackson’s future is still up in the air, with Unai Emery keen on reuniting with the striker at Villa after their successful spell together at Villarreal.
Enzo Fernandez also faces an uncertain future when he returns to pre-season training after the Argentine made it clear to the club that he would like a fresh challenge next season.
Asked about Fernandez’s future at his unveiling, Alonso said: ’Yes, we have spoken, but as you can understand, what we have spoken remains private.’
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