West Ham may sign Chelsea ace as Jean-Clair Todibo transfer alternative

For the Jean-Clair Todibo transfer, the outcome did not seem to work in the favour of West Ham. Despite Julen Lopetegui holding high hopes of securing the French defender this summer after agreeing a transfer fee with Nice, a late transfer interest from Juventus meant that Todibo has put personal terms on hold with the Hammers as he wants Juventus move as a priority. And it seems highly likely that the Serie A giants will match West Ham's offer, leaving the Hammers empty handed.

Thus, the centre-back is becoming a difficult puzzle to solve for West Ham. But as Tim Steidten has proven himself that he is a calm technical director, so he is actively looking for a best solution to the centre-back issue in a timely manner before the new season kicks off.

West Ham may sign Chelsea ace as Jean-Clair Todibo transfer alternative

According to a report from TalkSport, West Ham have shown an interest in signing Chelsea ace Trevoh Chalobah. The Chelsea defender has been at the club since the age of eight and in the 2021/22 made his first team debut for Chelsea.

In three seasons at the Stamford Bridge, the Englishman has made 58 appearances in the Premier League and at the age of 25 is a rock solid defender who is entering his prime. However, with Chelsea signing Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile and now Tosin Adarabiyo and injuries sidelining Chalobah for more than half of the 2023/24 season has led him to be outside of the club's long term plans.

Recently, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca left Chalobah from their upcoming United States preseason tour sparking further speculation that the Blues are willing to offload the centre-back this summer. The defender is currently valued at £25 million which is almost similar to what the Hammers have offered for Todibo.

Despite the Englishman's recent injury record being a concern, it is no doubt the 25-year-old will be a major upgrade on the likes of currently injured, Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd who is recently linked with a move to the La Liga.

Chalobah's pace, physicality and his ability to win aerial duels make him a suitable option to partner summer signing Max Kilman in defence. Crystal Palace are also said to be interested in Chalobah by the report, but West Ham have an upper hand over Palace as their top six ambitions will provide a better opportunity for Chalobah to showcase his quality in the English top flight.