Serie A side Como have reached an agreement worth more than £30 million to sign Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, bringing an end to the academy graduate's near two-decade association with the Blues.
The 27-year-old England international is expected to sign a long-term contract and take on a leadership role under head coach Cesc Fabregas, whose side secured Champions League qualification after finishing fourth in Serie A last season.
Chelsea will receive an initial £25.7 million, with a further £5.1 million in performance-related add-ons following lengthy negotiations.
The overall package is close to the Blues' valuation of £30 million plus £5 million in add-ons, with Como making several approaches since early June. Inter Milan had also shown interest in Chalobah during the transfer window.
Fabregas, who previously played for both Chelsea and Arsenal, has identified Chalobah as a priority target for more than six months and has been instrumental in pushing the deal forward.
Chalobah will leave his boyhood club after spending almost 20 years at Stamford Bridge, having joined Chelsea's academy as a youngster before progressing through the ranks to the first team.
His departure is part of Chelsea's wider strategy to streamline Xabi Alonso's squad ahead of the new season.
Chelsea recently strengthened their defence by signing Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace in a deal worth £52 million, adding experience and aerial presence to Alonso's backline.
Despite Chalobah's exit, Chelsea still have nine senior centre-backs on their books, including:
The Blues remain keen to move on Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile, while promising defenders Mamadou Sarr and Josh Acheampong could be sent out on loan, with Premier League clubs among the potential destinations.
