Report: Conte Eyes Chelsea Defender Reunion to Strengthen Napoli Defence | OneFootball

Trevoh Chalobah Faces Crucial Decision Amid Napoli Interest and England Breakthrough

Just when it seemed Trevoh Chalobah was carving a long-term place at Stamford Bridge, the England new boy finds himself at a crossroads — with Serie A champions Napoli circling and first-team guarantees at Chelsea far from assured.

The 25-year-old centre-back, a Chelsea academy graduate who joined the club at just eight years old, enjoyed a strong second half of the 2024–25 campaign. After returning from a short loan spell at Crystal Palace in January, Chalobah proved pivotal in Chelsea’s late-season charge — securing Champions League qualification and lifting the UEFA Conference League trophy.

His resurgent form has not gone unnoticed. Last week, Gareth Southgate handed Chalobah his maiden senior call-up for England’s upcoming friendlies against Andorra in Barcelona this Saturday and Senegal next Tuesday — a reward for both his consistency and composure.

But while the call-up is a career highlight, it’s also a reminder of what’s at stake. Chalobah is now weighing up his Chelsea future, with regular game time crucial if he hopes to remain in Southgate’s plans heading towards the 2026 World Cup.

Conte’s Napoli Enter the Frame

Napoli, fresh off a title-winning campaign under Antonio Conte, are monitoring Chalobah closely. With Conte staying on at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, the club are looking to reinforce their backline ahead of a Champions League return. Chalobah, versatile and experienced at the top level, ticks multiple boxes for the Italian tactician — and crucially, he’s a player Conte knows well from his time at Chelsea.

Conte has already revitalised British talent abroad. Former Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour played a key role in Napoli’s Scudetto triumph, while Scott McTominay has found a new level under the Italian’s steely leadership. Chalobah could be the next name to benefit from the Conte touch.

Chelsea’s Stance: No Guarantees

Chelsea, for their part, are said to be pleased with Chalobah’s attitude and performances since his return from Palace. Club sources suggest they are not actively looking to sell, but the reality is more complex. Wesley Fofana is expected to partner Levi Colwill at the heart of defence once he recovers from injury, and the Blues are also exploring options for a new left-sided centre-back this summer — a move that could limit Chalobah’s minutes even further.

The message from Stamford Bridge is clear: Chalobah isn’t being pushed out, but neither is he being promised a starting role.

England Ambitions May Force Chalobah’s Hand

For Chalobah, the equation is simple. He must decide whether a squad role at Chelsea is enough — or if consistent minutes elsewhere, perhaps in Naples, would offer a clearer path to England’s squad in 2026. With his stock rising and interest abroad, particularly from Napoli, intensifying, the coming weeks could prove decisive.

Asked about his future while on international duty, Chalobah was diplomatic:

The noise, however, is only growing louder. And for Chalobah, whose career has been shaped by quiet perseverance, the next decision may be the most defining yet.