

FolioPitch.com – 01 August 2026 | Cesc Fabregas stays coy on Como s Chalobah and Couto pursuits, offering little more than a knowing smile when pressed about the club’s ambitious transfer plans. Speaking after Como’s 3-2 victory over Famalicão in the Como Cup third-place playoff, the Spanish coach refused to confirm or deny reports linking the Serie A side with Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah and Manchester City-owned full-back Yan Couto.
“Obviously I know everything, every step, every minute and every moment. I won’t say anything,” Fabregas said with a laugh. “We’re working well, it’s clear where we want to strengthen the squad, and little by little we want to do it properly. Whoever arrives, arrives. We’ll talk about it later, now isn’t the moment.”
The comments come as Fabregas stays coy on Como s Chalobah and Couto pursuits despite intense speculation that both deals are nearing completion. According to reports from Tuttomercatoweb, Como’s sporting director Carlalberto Ludi has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure the signatures of the two highly-rated defenders, with the club determined to build a squad capable of competing in their debut Champions League campaign.
In the case of Chalobah, negotiations between Como and Chelsea have accelerated in recent hours. The Italian club has tabled an offer in the region of €30 million plus bonuses, which is gradually moving towards Chelsea’s €35 million valuation. The 26-year-old English centre-back, who impressed during a loan spell at Crystal Palace last season, is believed to be open to a new challenge in Serie A, and the prospect of regular first-team football in European competition is an attractive proposition.
Fabregas’s refusal to divulge any specifics has done little to quell the growing belief that Chalobah could soon be wearing the blue of Como. The club’s hierarchy is reportedly confident that a compromise can be reached with the London side, and personal terms are not expected to be a stumbling block.
Meanwhile, the pursuit of Yan Couto has hit a slight delay. The Brazilian right-back, who spent last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund from Manchester City, has been identified by Como as a key target to add attacking width and energy down the flank. However, Dortmund are currently holding back the player’s exit as they await clarity on the injury status of Julian Ryerson. With Ryerson sidelined, the German club do not want to sanction Couto’s departure and leave themselves short at right-back.
Como remain determined to wrap up the Couto deal as quickly as possible, and talks are ongoing. The 23-year-old is keen on the move, and sources suggest that personal terms have already been agreed. The only remaining obstacle is Dortmund’s stance, which could soften once Ryerson returns to full fitness.
As the transfer gossip intensifies, Fabregas stays coy on Como s Chalobah and Couto pursuits, preferring to focus on the pitch rather than the window. His playful yet cryptic response to reporters after the Famalicão friendly was characteristic of a manager who wants to maintain an element of surprise. However, his smile was telling — it hinted that significant reinforcements are on the horizon.
“We’re working well, it’s clear where we want to strengthen the squad,” he said, before insisting that the time for announcements would come later. For now, the Como faithful can only speculate, but the signs are overwhelmingly positive.
If both deals go through, Como would add two dynamic defenders with experience in top European leagues, significantly boosting their chances of making an impact in the Champions League. Chalobah would bring solidity and composure to the heart of the defence, while Couto’s pace and crossing ability would offer Fabregas a potent attacking outlet from full-back.
With the new season fast approaching, Como are clearly leaving no stone unturned in their quest to compete on multiple fronts. Fabregas, known for his meticulous preparation and tactical acumen, is working closely with Ludi to ensure that every signing fits the club’s long-term vision.
While the coach is not giving anything away, the sense of anticipation around the Sinigaglia is palpable. Fabregas stays coy on Como s Chalobah and Couto pursuits, but the message from the club is unmistakable: Como are building something special, and the arrivals of Chalobah and Couto could be just the beginning.
In the coming days, as negotiations progress, the full picture is expected to emerge. Until then, Como fans will have to read between the lines and trust in a manager who knows exactly what he wants. “Whoever arrives, arrives,” Fabregas said. But if his smile is anything to go by, the wait will not be long.
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