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Xabi Alonso's initiative to trim Chelsea's center back roster down to "four or five" players has kicked off with the departure of Trevoh Chalobah to Como for $41.5 million (£30 million).
The signing of Maxence Lacroix pushed Chelsea's senior center back count to 10, but Alonso acknowledged last month that he wanted to see that figure at least halved, shifting attention toward outgoing transfers in the closing weeks of the window.
First to depart is academy product Chalobah, whose 18-year association with the club has now officially ended as he moves to Serie A side Como.
"After 18 years, it's time to say goodbye to Chelsea," Chalobah posted on social media. "I arrived as a nine-year-old with a dream, and I leave as a man who's lived that dream in ways I never imagined.
"This journey tested me, lifted me and strengthened me. To every teammate, coach, staff member and supporter, thank you for shaping me. I gave everything I had, and I'm proud of the person this club helped me become.
"To the young players: the path won't always be smooth. But stay ready, stay positive and keep your faith. God's timing is always right. Thank you all, truly, with love and gratitude."
Which Center Backs Will Be Next to Leave Chelsea?
With Chalobah's exit confirmed, Chelsea now have nine center backs remaining on their roster.
Lacroix is certain to remain, having only recently arrived for $70 million (£52 million), while Levi Colwill is considered untouchable and is set to play a key role this campaign following his recovery from an ACL injury.
Beyond those two, however, the picture becomes considerably less clear.
Wesley Fofana is expected to stay, largely due to his hefty transfer fee, though reports have suggested Tosin Adarabioyo could be moved on as part of Chelsea's squad-reduction efforts. Having arrived on a free transfer, any fee received would be pure profit for the club.
French pair Axel Disasi and Benoît Badiashile have both been made available. Disasi has attracted interest from clubs in England, while Napoli are thought to be frontrunners in the pursuit of Badiashile.
Young prospects Mamadou Sarr and Aarón Anselmino also face uncertain situations. Sarr was unexpectedly withdrawn from Chelsea's starting lineup against Johor Darul Ta'zim for undisclosed reasons, while Anselmino picked up an injury that could complicate his next steps.
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Meanwhile, young defender Josh Acheampong is another player whose future requires a decision. Chelsea hold enormous belief in the 20-year-old, but supporters were left disappointed last season when he managed just 663 Premier League minutes.
Alonso has given Acheampong considerable game time during preseason, and a place in the first-team squad this season appears possible, though a loan move may prove to be the most sensible short-term solution.
With Lacroix, Colwill and Fofana all but guaranteed their places, there are at most two remaining spots available for other center backs in Alonso's preferred setup.