The two Milan juggernauts are keeping an eye on Chelsea center-back Trevor Chalobah as they search for a potential defensive reinforcement. In the last days of the market, Milan and Inter will compete in a derby for the player.
The Chelsea defender may end up being a good choice for Inter and Milan, who have postponed the acquisition of a new center-back until the last days of the transfer window.
Chalobah, 23, played three seasons of loan football after graduating from Chelsea's development academy (Ipswich, Huddersfield and Lorient). He made 20 Premier League appearances last season, but he is aware that he will not be starting for Tuchel's team.
The necessity for a defender by Milan and Inter aligns with Chalobah's desire for greater playing time. In an effort to get a defender for a reasonable price, which would be doable with Chalobah's loan move, both clubs have waited until the end of the transfer window. Chelsea is hesitant to transfer him because they still see his potential.
The first team to pursue Chalobah was Inter. The "Nerazzurri" are searching for a replacement for Andrea Ranocchia at centre back. In the long run, Marotta's major goal is to add a third starting center-back alongside Skriniar and Bastoni, as De Vrij's contract expires in 2023.
Up until a week ago, Inter were looking at two options: Manuel Akanji as their first choice and Francesco Acerbi as a cheap alternative. Chalobah has emerged as a highly coveted third option who would also fit perfectly into Inzaghi’s system, as he has played his entire career in a back three.
A few days ago, however, eternal rivals Milan joined the race. The Italian champions refused to renew Romagnoli at the end of the season and, coupled with Kjaer’s absence from an eight-month injury, they are forced to turn to the market.