Exclusive: Aston Villa set sights on Trevor Chalobah to replace first-XI star
Aston Villa have set their sights on a move for Chelsea defender Trevor Chalobah this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Midlands giants want to bolster Unai Emery’s defence with a new centre-back in the upcoming transfer window, and the 26-year-old is seen as the ideal replacement for Tyrone Mings.
Football Insider revealed on Thursday that Villa are ready to sell Mings this summer amid several injury issues suffered by the defender in recent years.
The 32-year-old has spent much of this season out with thigh problems, and issues continue to surround the major knee injury he suffered in 2023.
Chalobah has missed just one game for Chelsea in the Premier League this season, and sources close to Villa say he is seen as a younger, more mobile replacement for Mings.
Aston Villa to bolster defence
Despite Mings’ injury issues, the defender continues to feature among Unai Emery’s first choices in his defence.
Whether that is a positive towards the 32-year-old or a negative on Vila’s other options, however, is up for debate.
There are few doubts about Ezri Konsa’s position in the team, with the 28-year-old proving his quality both through his performances for the Villans, but also for England.
Past that, Emery’s options become far more limited. Victor Lindelof joined on a free transfer in the summer and has likely played more frequently than both he and his manager would have expected.
Pau Torres, on the other hand, had been in strong form during Villa’s run of nine Premier League wins in 10 games, but has struggled to return to his best following a calf injury.
One thing is for certain – Emery will need a bigger and better squad next season if his side are to return to the Champions League.
What Liam Rosenior has said about Trevor Chalobah
There is uncertainty surrounding Chelsea’s situation in defence next season, with a number of centre-backs expected to be jostling for position.
Levi Colwill will return from his knee injury during the summer, and Liam Rosenior orchestrated the return of Mamadou Sarr from his loan at Strasbourg.
But the new Chelsea boss has retained faith in Chalobah, and praised the defender when asked about him earlier this month.
“Trevoh, the way he is playing,” he said. “I said to the players I will gauge everything on what I see now and not what’s happened before.
“Trevoh has been one of the brightest sparks. He loves this club, he understands what it takes to win and he has made a fantastic impression to us so far.”