By Tom Gott
Chelsea are close to striking a deal to sign centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer, a report has revealed.
Tosin is set to be available on a free transfer as he approaches the end of his contract with west London neighbours Fulham, and had been in talks with Newcastle United before Chelsea swooped in with a contract offer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are now firmly in the lead for Tosin's signature and are closing in on a deal to make the 26-year-old their first signing under incoming manager Enzo Maresca, whose own move to Stamford Bridge is on the cusp of completion.
An agreement with Tosin has not yet been finalised but Chelsea are moving in the right direction and are hopeful of adding the centre-back to their current crop.
Tosin came through the Manchester City academy and would count towards Chelsea's homegrown player quota, which could prove particularly useful as Trevoh Chalobah remains available for transfer.
Despite his impressive end to the season, Chalobah's status as an academy graduate makes him a sellable asset to those in charge at Stamford Bridge, who are also entertaining offers for Conor Gallagher for the same financial reasons.
Rivals like Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have both been linked with Chalobah, who still has four years left to run on his contract.
Chelsea are already well-stocked at centre-back where, aside from Tosin and Chalobah, they can call on Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill and the returning Wesley Fofana. The latter did not play at all in 2023/24 after suffering a nasty knee injury but is expected to be available for pre-season.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Chelsea 'closing in' on first signing under Enzo Maresca.
