The versatile 21-year-old, who is equally comfortable in defence or midfield, has had two previous loan spells in the Championship with Ipswich Town and, most recently, Huddersfield Town, who he helped to retain their second-tier status last term.

Chalobah is easy in possession, tough in the tackle and quick across the ground, attributes that have served him well during his rise through the Academy ranks at Cobham and in making the step up to the senior game. He joined the Blues at the age of nine, following in the footsteps of his older brother Nathaniel, and demonstrated his versatility by playing at right-back, centre-back and in midfield at the different age groups.

After making his youth team debut at the tender age of 14, Chalobah went on to win the UEFA Youth League, back-to-back FA Youth Cups and the European Championship with England’s Under-19 team. During 2017/18, he was named on the first team bench on numerous occasions, including for the FA Cup final against Manchester United.

The England Under-21 international’s switch to senior football has been solid and he has clocked up over 80 appearances in the past two campaigns at Portman Road and the John Smith’s Stadium. His performances for the Tractor Boys in 2018/19 earned plaudits despite relegation and his return to the Championship last summer proved even more successful as he helped the Terriers to safety, playing 37 times during the campaign.

Chalobah’s first taste of European football now follows with a move to the French top-flight and newly-promoted FC Lorient, who finished as champions of the curtailed Ligue 2. Les Merlus kick off the new season at home to Strasbourg at the weekend. Chalobah’s new Chelsea contract commits him to the club until at least 2023.