Published Aug 3, 2026, 3:40 PM GMT+1

Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years.

After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to clinch his first job in journalism at Snack Media, now Valnet.

Emilio has written for a host of the company's biggest past and current football news websites - Vital Football, The Transfer Tavern and Football FanCast. 

Emilio's strengths include the intricacies of football transfers, while he particularly enjoys writing about the business side of football. He has covered Tottenham Hotspur on a weekly basis for a number of years now, developing a deep understanding of the culture and what Lilywhites fans engage with.

In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.

The defender joined the academy at eight and worked his way through one of the toughest youth systems in English football.

His route to the senior side was anything but quick.

Chalobah learned the hard way during loans at Ipswich, Huddersfield and Lorient, making 112 appearances across those three spells. He played in midfield as well as defence and returned to London ready for his chance.

That opportunity arrived under Thomas Tuchel in 2021.

Thomas Tuchel

Chalobah made his competitive Chelsea debut in the UEFA Super Cup victory over Villarreal. Three days later, he marked his Premier League debut with a thumping goal against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.

He also scored against Juventus in the Champions League and quickly became a useful member of Tuchel’s squad, but security was always hard to find for the versatile ace.

Different managers brought different plans, while Chelsea continued spending heavily on central defenders. Chalobah often appeared close to leaving, only to force his way back into the team when injuries opened another door.

The clearest example came in 2024.

Chelsea sent him on loan to Crystal Palace after leaving him out of their summer plans. He made 14 appearances and scored three goals at Selhurst Park before the Blues recalled him in January because they needed defensive cover.

Chalobah responded by helping Chelsea win the Conference League and Club World Cup.

Last season brought an even bigger role. He played 52 times, including the CWC appearances, started 41 matches and featured in over 3,700 minutes, more playing time than any other Chelsea central defender.

Those numbers make his exit look harsh on the surface.

However, Chelsea have signed Maxence Lacroix from Palace for £52 million and Xabi Alonso has inherited a crowded defensive department.

With no European football, there are simply too many centre backs chasing too few minutes, and Como spotted their opening early.

Cesc Fàbregas has transformed the Italian club, taking them from Serie B to a fourth-placed Serie A finish and the first Champions League qualification in their history.

That project appealed to Chalobah, but negotiations with Chelsea were not straightforward.

According to reports, Como first tested the water with a package of aroun £22 million, which was turned down. The Italians then returned with an improved offer of £23 million and another £2.5 million in add-ons, but Chelsea rejected that too.

The Blues wanted a larger guaranteed payment for an academy graduate who still had value, experience and several years left at the top level.

Como have now given them what they wanted.

Chelsea finally agree deal to sell Trevoh Chalobah to Como

Fabrizio Romano reports that the clubs have reached a verbal agreement worth £26 million up front, with another £5 million available through bonuses. Chelsea will also receive a percentage of any future sale.

Romano has given the move his famous “here we go” confirmation, indicating that only the final formalities stand between Chalobah and a move to Italy.

The player wanted Serie A and was attracted by the chance to play Champions League football under Fabregas.

Como are not buying a forgotten reserve, they are landing an England international who was Chelsea’s busiest defender last season and still remains comfortable across several positions in defence.

He survived loans, rejection and constant competition to make more than 150 appearances for his boyhood club.

Now, at 27, he finally gets the stability that was so often missing at Stamford Bridge.