Como and Inter strike pact to avoid Chalobah bidding war with Chelsea
Quick summary
Como owner Mirwan Suwarso has revealed that his club and Inter Milan reached an agreement to avoid a bidding war for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, a move that could facilitate a transfer away from Stamford Bridge.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceComo President Mirwan Suwarso has confirmed the report he called Inter to offer a pact of non-aggression over Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah. ‘This is a win-win relationship.’
The two Serie A teams were reportedly about to spark a bidding war for the England international, with an asking price of €35m from Stamford Bridge.
Just as it looked as if they were going to go head-to-head, La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed that Suwarso had called Inter to propose a pact , where they would back out to ensure they weren’t both fleeced.
To the general astonishment of the Business of Sport podcast crew , the Como President confirmed all of that was entirely accurate.
Como take modern approach to transfer market BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Mirwan Suwarso president of Como during the Serie A match between Bologna and Como at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 01, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) “There was a story in the media that we were in competition with another Italian team for a British player, they were saying we might want to buy him,” Suwarso told Business of Sport.
“So you know what, why don’t I just call the President of the other club and say, do you want him? If you want him, you go for it, we’ll back out. But if you buy him, then give me one of yours.
“He said, thanks for calling, I appreciate this, I’ll let you know. So we said these are the other targets we’re going after, we’re happy to share with you.
“So for me this is a win-win relationship with other clubs, we are open, it helps all of us to grow. I have a lunch next week with another chairman of another club, who can start managing their clothing brand together.”
There are some Serie A sides who produce their own kits and lifestyle products, specifically Napoli and Venezia, so it is likely one of these is his lunch dates.
Como do things very differently to other clubs, and part of that is because they were so small before the Indonesian decided to take them from Serie C to the Champions League.
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Cesc Fabregas coach of Como 1907 reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Como 1907 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 24, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images) “We spent a quite significant amount, but we do believe that we can break even and start no longer requiring injections from the owners at the end of next season,” said Suwarso.
“I met with UEFA, there’s no precedent of where we are, because UEFA look at the last few years. In comparison with Juventus and Aston Villa, the start-up level and growth level is different. Even they say they would have to evaluate how they look at Financial Fair Play.
“We want to become good members of the Association, so if you have to fine us, then fine us, that can be an objective we need to overcome. We don’t want to be treated differently.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: Nico Paz of Como 1907 talks to Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907 during the Coppa Italia Semi-Final match between FC Internazionale and Como at San Siro on April 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Suwarso confirmed purchased Como for €850,000 plus €150,000 in debt, but then poured money into the club, including the construction of a training ground that previously didn’t exist.
Source attribution: this article content is based on the linked publisher feed/source. Chance adds independent soccer context, impact analysis, entity links, and related news.
What happened
Como co-owner Mirwan Suwarso disclosed that Como and Inter Milan had a 'gentleman's agreement' not to compete against each other for Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah. The pact was designed to prevent a bidding war that could have driven up the price for the 25-year-old English defender, who has been deemed surplus to requirements at Chelsea. Inter Milan appears to be the leading destination for Chalobah, with both Italian clubs reportedly interested in securing his services during the current transfer window. The arrangement reflects a cooperative approach between the two Serie A clubs to navigate the Chelsea market efficiently.
Chance analysis
This story reveals unusual transfer market cooperation between two Serie A clubs (Como and Inter) regarding a Chelsea outcast. For Inter, securing Chalobah would address defensive depth needs. For Como, the agreement signals growing ambition but also strategic restraint. The 'pact' narrative suggests Inter are the more likely destination, potentially weakening Como's leverage. It also highlights Chelsea's ongoing player sales strategy, with Chalobah firmly out of Enzo Maresca's plans.
Inter Milan's defensive depth likely to improve if Chalobah deal completes; Chelsea continue trimming squad; Como forgo a target but maintain goodwill with Inter.
Inter Milan are the likely destination for Chalobah; Chelsea offloading a fringe defender, minimal fantasy impact but signals Inter's defensive reinforcement strategy.