Chelsea announce first signing of the summer as Enzo Maresca reunites with former player
Chelsea have announced a deal to sign defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer.
The centre-back, who will become a free agent when his Fulham contract expires on June 30, has agreed a four-year deal at Stamford Bridge.
The England youth star came through the academy in city of manchesterwhere he played with the new Blues boss Enzo Marescawho previously worked as a coach of City's elite development team.
Newcastle were considered favorites to sign the 26-year-old and Manchester United were also linked with a move before Chelsea took the plunge.
talkSPORT understands Adarabioyo was waiting to see who qualified for European football, with Chelsea sealing a place in the Europa Conference Leaguewhile Newcastle came up empty-handed.
The Blues consider the Englishman to be a proven Premier League player and were attracted to him due to his aerial prowess, along with a strong injury history and his previous experience working with Maresca.
Adarabioyo joins a Chelsea team that has City's footprints everywhere, with Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia is also rising through the champions' ranks.
Director of football Joe Shields also used to be the Etihad's chief scout and has had a lot to say in the transfer window under Clearlake Capital's ownership of the Blues.
Chelsea are expected to sell academy stars this summer, including Trevoh Chalobah, who has interest from United and Bayern Munich.
They also seek to fill the gap left by Thiago Silva after the veteran defender. announced his departure at the beginning of the season.
Signing free agent Adarabioyo is also a boost to Chelsea's efforts to stay in line with the Premier League's sustainability and profit rules, having spent lavishly over the past two years.
The defender was a key player for Fulham under Marco Silva, although he missed the start of the season due to groin surgery.
Last season he made 25 appearances in all competitions and a total of 132 for the Cottagers.
Before his signing was made official on July 1, Adarabioyo said: “Chelsea are a huge club and this is a coming full circle moment for me. “I was born three miles from Stamford Bridge and made my professional debut there.
“I'm very excited and looking forward to helping push the club in the direction we want to go.”
Meanwhile, sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart said: “We are delighted to bring Tosin to Chelsea. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated his maturity and defensive qualities and has gained a wealth of Premier League experience in recent years. seasons.
“He is ready to make the move to Chelsea and work alongside the talented players in our team. We look forward to Tosin joining us during pre-season.”
