Chelsea move ahead of Newcastle United in race to sign Premier League defender
The Blues are closing in on their first signing under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea are close to completing the signing of Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
The Blues have moved ahead of Newcastle United in the race to sign the defender.
The 26-year old is set to become the first signing for Chelsea under new manager Enzo Maresca.
According to Fabrizio Romano, if everything goes according to the plan, Tosin will be a Chelsea player soon.
Romano tweeted on his X account:
“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.”
Following the disclosure to Fulham that he will not be extending his contract at Craven Cottage, Adarabioyo became a free agent and is now expected to sign on a free transfer for the West London team.
After the departure of Thiago Silva at the end of the season, the Blues were expected to sign a new central defender.
Adarabioyo is expected to be the first player signed by incoming head coach Enzo Maresca, who has agreed to take Mauricio Pochettino's position at Stamford Bridge, according to Romano.
Although they are cautious until the deal is finalised, Chelsea are now clear favourites to sign Adarabioyo ahead of Newcastle.
The centre-back made 20 appearances for Fulham in the Premier League in 2023-24 and scored two goals.
He was one of Fulham's best players and his consistent form caught the attention of some of the biggest clubs in England.
Chelsea winning the race to sign the defender will be a huge blow for manager Eddie Howe and the Magpies, who are looking to make defensive additions to their squad.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund are expected to get in touch with Chelsea to discuss a possible move for Ian Maatsen following Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final.
