With Tosin Adarabiyo reportedly set to choose a move to Chelsea over Newcastle United this summer, his rationale has now been explained.
Having played 25 games for Fulham in all competitions this season, it’s rare to see a player of Adarabioyo’s quality available as a free agent.
And as well as Chelsea and Newcastle, Manchester United were said to be in the race – a player who could perhaps earn a start at all three clubs.
Adarabioyo earned a strong reputation coming through the Manchester City academy, enjoying a fairly similar career path to Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who has just signed for promoted side Southampton.
At 26-years-old, Adarabioyo clearly feels as if it’s time for his next step, playing for a club challenging right at the top of the league.
And whilst Chelsea and Newcastle weren’t necessarily in that bracket this season, they will hope to be next.
That being said, journalist Ben Jacobs has now shared an update detailing exactly why Adarabioyo preferred a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Tosin Adarabioyo swayed by Chelsea’s European football as Newcastle miss out
According to the information, Adarabioyo was waiting to see who qualified for European football before making his decision – with Chelsea clinching a spot in the Europa Conference league.
Perhaps some at the club may consider the competition a nuisance this year, but with Adarabioyo set for a medical next week, it’s certainly paid dividends in this scenario.
Jacobs provided some more context to the defender’s decision on X, detailing that the decision wasn’t necessarily just financially motivated.
He explained: “Understand the terms Chelsea offered were pretty much the same as Newcastle. Move not about money.
“Tosin also wanted to wait until the end of season and see who qualified for Europe. He was always going to take his time deciding, knowing Newcastle weren’t the only suitor.
“Tosin is understood to be excited by the challenge of breaking into the XI. Even with Thiago Silva’s departure, still plenty of centre-backs competing for spots, but Chelsea feel they need depth and proven Premier League quality ahead of a season that could have 65+ games.”
Maresca already familiar with Adarabioyo’s skill-set
Although the pair only had a brief cross-over at Manchester City, it was perhaps easier for Enzo Maresca to green-light a move given his familiarity with Adarabioyo.
It remains to be seen how much of a say Maresca will ultimately have when it comes to signings, which seemed to be a sticking point of Mauricio Pochettino’s departure, but Maresca and Adarabioyo having some previous knowledge of each other can only be a positive.
And should a deal be concluded as reports suggest, the signing will mark a strong beginning to Chelsea’s new era.
All that being said, Chelsea are still thought to be considering a move for a player Arsenal are chasing right now.