Chelsea have reached an agreement for the last time to sign Tosin Adarabioyo on the loose to revive the Enzo Maresca era.
The centre-back turned down several offers of new contracts from existing club Fulham during the season in favour of moving to Bosman, which left him not included in the squads of the day for the final weeks of the season.
Tottenham’s former move target was also of interest to Manchester United and seemed ready to point the finger at Newcastle, however, Chelsea hijacked the deal by providing more attractive terms and now wins the race to point him out.
Adarabioyo will be Chelsea’s first signing since Maresca agreed to update Mauricio Pochettino as Blues manager. Brazilian youngster Estevao Willian is also expected to sign up for them, with a deal closed before Maresca approached.
The 26-year-old will compete with centre-backs Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill at Chelsea, and his signing would mitigate the effects of the loss of Thiago Silva, who returns to former club Fluminense from their home club in Brazil. this summer, after 4 years at Stamford Bridge.
The free signing of former Manchester City academy product Adarabioyo could also mark the end of Trevoh Chalobah’s Chelsea career.
Chalobah enjoyed a strong end to the season after being out for six months due to a hamstring injury, but his sale would be a natural benefit for Les Bleus to remain compliant with the Benefits and Sustainability Regulation (PSR).