Chelsea are currently without a manager, but that has not stopped them from making moves in the transfer market it seems.
It is unlikely that Chelsea will be managerless for much longer.
It has been claimed that the Blues have now made Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca their No.1 target to replace Mauricio Pochettino, who left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent last week.
Whoever ends up at Chelsea, it looks like he could have another central defender to work with on top of the likes of Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile.
The Blues have reportedly made their move for a new one.
Chelsea trying to strengthen defence despite not having manager
Thiago Silva will not be at Chelsea next season, and it looks like the club want to replace him quickly.
The Brazilian’s contract expires this summer and he is set to join Fluminense on a free transfer.
Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo could replace him, though Chelsea face competition for his signature.
According to HITC, Newcastle United have been in talks to sign Adarabioyo but their Premier League rivals have now made a late approach for the 26-year-old.
The same outlet states that Pochettino had doubts about Adarabioyo, explaining why Chelsea have only made a serious attempt to sign him now.
Tosin Adarabioyo could be Enzo Maresca’s first signing
With it looking more and more likely that Maresca will succeed Pochettino, Adarabioyo could be his first signing as Chelsea boss.
Arriving on a free, Adarabioyo would not be a terrible addition to this Chelsea squad.
Hailed as a “special” player by his manager Marco Silva, the former Manchester City man is a central defender who possesses Premier League experience and height.
Standing at 6 ft 5, he has ranked in the 88th percentile for aerials won among centre-halves over the last year (FBref).
Chelsea have options at centre-back even with Silva leaving, so Adarabioyo does not have to be a priority for the club this summer. But signing him on a free transfer does seem tempting.