Tottenham launch audacious Chelsea raid as Romano reveals loan offer for star unconvinced by other option
Chelsea defenders Ben Chilwell and Trevoh Chalobah
Tottenham Hotspur are talking to Chelsea about the idea of signing Trevoh Chalobah on loan from their London rivals, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Chalobah is on the lookout for a new club on deadline day, but a reunion with Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich never went through in time before the German deadline. Since then, there have been reports of a £25m bid by Nottingham Forest.
However, Chalobah is not said to be keen on following Callum Hudson-Odoi and Andrey Santos to the City Ground. Therefore, he could now be stuck at Chelsea – unless there is a late twist.
And that may well have just arrived after Romano revealed that Tottenham have approached Chelsea about the prospect of taking Chalobah on loan.
Bayern originally wanted to sign Chalobah on loan, but Chelsea preferred a permanent sale. They eventually warmed to the temporary deal, but by then it was too late for Bayern.
Now, Chelsea might have two varying options to consider for Chalobah. They could stick to the original plan of selling him by accepting the Forest offer – although the player’s stance might be an obstacle – or explore the new idea of loaning him out.
READ MORE: Tottenham signing facing collapse, as two reasons combine to stifle Postecoglou
Tottenham move for Chalobah complicated
However, Romano warns that the move to Tottenham would be complicated because of the rivalry between the two clubs. Of course, players can change between rivals, but it would be rare for it to happen on a loan deal when the two clubs are competing for similar ambitions.
There is also the issue of the formula of the Tottenham offer, although Romano has not clarified exactly how.
Spurs have been trying to strengthen their defence all summer long. They have managed to welcome Micky van de Ven from Wolfsburg and Ashley Phillips from Blackburn Rovers as they plan for the future.
There has been a feeling that they would be interested in another new centre-back, which has prompted their dramatic pursuit of Chalobah.
Interestingly, Spurs have also been eyeing a raid on Chelsea for midfielder Conor Gallagher, although they appear to have been priced out of it.
