In an exclusive update, Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s newly appointed manager, has reportedly approved the signing of Tosin Adarabioyo, a free agent from Fulham, as per information obtained by CaughtOffside.
CaughtOffside’s sources close to Chelsea revealed that Adarabioyo is on the verge of finalizing his move to Stamford Bridge.
This development comes despite Adarabioyo having had the opportunity to join several other clubs, with Newcastle United showing notable interest.
Newcastle United had been keen on securing Adarabioyo’s services, but negotiations failed to reach a conclusion.
This left Chelsea with a clear path to potentially complete the transfer.
The discussions between Adarabioyo and Chelsea have been reportedly positive, and the 26-year-old defender is expected to sign a three-year contract with the club.
As Adarabioyo’s contract with Fulham approached its expiration, he was offered to a variety of Premier League and international clubs.
Among the interested parties were Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, and AC Milan.
Manchester United is actively looking to bolster their defense this summer.
However, sources suggest that their primary target remains Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, contingent on whether his price tag can be reduced.
Meanwhile, Arsenal was also given the opportunity to sign Adarabioyo but has chosen to focus on younger defensive prospects instead.
The Gunners are concentrating their efforts on talents such as Antonio Silva, Leny Yoro, and Ousmane Diomande.
Additionally, Ajax’s Jorrel Hato has caught Arsenal’s attention, as confirmed by prominent football columnists.
Furthermore, the future of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi might also intrigue Arsenal, considering Chelsea and Manchester United have previously shown interest in the center-back.
The potential move for Adarabioyo to Chelsea signifies a strategic acquisition for the club, particularly as they look to reinforce their defensive lineup.
His experience and free-agent status present a valuable opportunity for Chelsea, who are navigating a transitional period under Maresca’s management.
Chelsea’s move for Adarabioyo reflects a proactive approach in the transfer market, aiming to secure key players who can add depth and resilience to their squad.
Adarabioyo’s versatility and Premier League experience make him a suitable candidate to bolster Chelsea’s defense, which has been an area of concern in recent seasons.
In contrast, Newcastle’s failure to close the deal with Adarabioyo illustrates the complexities of transfer negotiations, where multiple factors can influence a player’s decision.
Despite Newcastle’s strong interest, the allure of joining Chelsea and potentially competing in top-tier competitions may have swayed Adarabioyo’s preference.
For Manchester United, their pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite indicates a specific target in mind, although financial considerations play a critical role in finalizing such transfers.
Arsenal’s strategy to invest in younger defensive talents underscores their long-term planning and focus on building a sustainable squad for the future.
