Chelsea is reportedly on the verge of securing a deal to acquire Fulham center-back Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer this summer, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Adarabioyo, whose contract with Fulham is set to expire, had been in discussions with Newcastle United before Chelsea stepped in with an offer.
According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea is now the frontrunner in the competition for Adarabioyo’s signature. The 26-year-old is expected to be the first signing under Chelsea’s new manager Enzo Maresca, whose appointment at Stamford Bridge is also nearing completion.
🚨🔵 EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea are closing in on deal to sign Tosin Adarabioyo, negotiations at final stages.
Newcastle have been working on Tosin deal for weeks but #CFC now clear favorites, cautious until it’s sealed.
Tosin to be first signing for Enzo Maresca, if all goes to plans. pic.twitter.com/G50wL6gwy3
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 1, 2024
Adarabioyo, who developed through Manchester City’s academy, would bolster Chelsea’s homegrown player quota. This is particularly significant as Trevoh Chalobah, who contributed to Chelsea’s strong finish last season, is reportedly available for transfer. Chalobah, who has four years left on his contract with an additional one-year option, is valued at approximately €29 million.
Related article: Newcastle United Close to Signing Nigerian Defender Adarabioyo
While a deal with Adarabioyo has yet to be finalized, Chelsea is making significant progress and remains hopeful about securing the defender’s services.
Adarabioyo has spent the past four years at Fulham, making 132 appearances across all competitions, including 78 in the Premier League, and establishing himself as a reliable presence in the English top-flight.
Should the transfer be completed, Adarabioyo would reunite with Maresca, having left Manchester City’s academy just before Maresca took over the club’s under-23 team.
