Chelsea hijack last minute deal from Newcastle as 26-years-old player agrees to join Chelsea
Chelsea is about to finalize the first acquisition under Enzo Maresca’s leadership after seizing Newcastle United’s attempt to sign Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
The Italian will soon be named as Mauricio Pochettino’s replacement by the Blues, who parted ways with the former Spurs and PSG manager last month.
Although Maresca’s employment has not yet received official approval, Chelsea is moving forward with its summer transfer activities.
After Thiago Silva decided to leave when his contract expired, defensive reinforcements were prioritized.
Over the past two years, Chelsea has lavished a lot of money on central defenders, but with little result.
Kalidou Koulibaly was earmarked as Antonio Rudiger’s natural replacement but he lasted just one season before he was sold to the Saudi Pro League.
Wesley Fofana was unable to play a single game last season due to injury, while French youngsters Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile have shown only glimpses of potential.
Trevoh Chalobah, meanwhile, appears destined for the exit door with his homegrown status meaning he will represent pure profit once his departure is confirmed.
Chelsea are expected to demand a fee in the region of £25million for the 24-year-old, who is understood to be interesting Manchester United.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have already lined up a move for Adarabioyo, who is available on a free transfer, as Chalobah’s replacement and are confident of winning the race to sign a player who is also on Liverpool’s radar.
The 24-year-old began his career at Manchester City but failed to make a single top flight appearance for the Premier League champions.
Adarabioyo move to Chelsea’s west London rivals four years ago and has established a reputation as a solid top flight performer during his time at Craven Cottage.
Chelsea will now also seek to boost their summer warchest with the sales of more academy graduates such as Armando Broja and Ian Maatsen.