Inter Milan knows Trevoh Chalobah wants to play in Milan. Chelsea knows Inter is interested. And yet, somehow, the two clubs haven’t actually picked up the phone to hash out a deal.

The Chelsea centre-back has reportedly made his preference clear: he wants Inter. Not Como. Not Fulham. Not Crystal Palace. The 27-year-old academy product has his sights set on the Italian champions, and his camp has turned down advances from those other suitors accordingly.

The transfer standoff

Chelsea has reportedly slapped a price tag of around €35 million on Chalobah. Inter and Como have apparently agreed not to engage in a bidding war over the defender, which has led Inter to temporarily pause their pursuit.

Chalobah’s entourage is reportedly in discussions about personal terms, suggesting the player’s side is doing the groundwork even as the clubs themselves remain at arm’s length.