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This one has taken a bit longer than expected, but it looks like we finally found a temporary home for Nathaniel Chalobah.
And it's not Watford, as much as Gianfranco Zola liked to talk up the budding super star - and why wouldn't he; Chalobah was excellent for him last season - it is in fact Nottingham Forest, as had been rumored earlier this month. The reason for the new destination is probably a combination of wanting to expose Chalobah to a different system and philosophy and Forest being able to afford a higher loan fee and wage contribution than Watford.
Nottingham Forest are set to win the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah on loan. #NFFC #CFC
— Pete O'Rourke (@SkySportsPeteO) September 19, 2013
Seven hours later, from the same Sky Sports source:
Chelsea's Nathaniel Chalobah undergoing medical at Nottingham Forest ahead of loan move #cfc #nffc
— Pete O'Rourke (@SkySportsPeteO) September 19, 2013
I expect an official announcement soon of this "emergency" loan until January, and hopefully in-time for Chalobah to suit up this weekend for the promotion contenders.
OFFICIAL UPDATE:
Nathaniel Chalobah joins Nottingham Forest on loan until January: http://t.co/8yw6Y0WEac #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) September 19, 2013