Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign Fulham center-back Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer this summer, Soccernet.football reports.
Adarabioyo is set to be available on a free transfer as his contract with West London neighbors Fulham expires. The 26-year-old had been in talks with Newcastle United before Chelsea swooped in with a contract offer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are now leading the race for Adarabioyo’s signature and are nearing a deal to make the 26-year-old their first signing under incoming manager Enzo Maresca, whose move to Stamford Bridge is also nearly complete.
Adarabioyo, a product of the Manchester City academy, would contribute to Chelsea’s homegrown player quota, which could prove particularly beneficial as Trevoh Chalobah is available for transfer.
Reports indicate that Chalobah, who played a key role in Chelsea’s late-season resurgence and has four years remaining on his contract with an additional 12-month option, is valued at just £25 million.
An agreement with Adarabioyo has not yet been finalized, but Chelsea are making progress and are optimistic about adding the center-back to their squad.
Adarabioyo has spent four years with Fulham and in that time, made 132 appearances across all competitions, including 78 in the Premier League, solidifying his reputation as a dependable player in the English top-flight.
If Chelsea manage to get this deal over the line, the 26-year-old defender would finally play under Maresca, having left the Manchester City academy just before the incoming Chelsea boss took charge of City’s under-23 setup.
