Fabrizio Romano confirms Chelsea in contact with ex-Man City star over free transfer
Under Todd Boehly, Chelsea has gained a reputation for making large purchases, but Fabrizio Romano has disclosed that the Blues intend to sign a free agent in the summer.
Tosin Adarabioyo, a 26-year-old who was once on Manchester City’s roster, is reportedly coveted by the Blues, according to Romano. Data analytics experts SciSports have confirmed this.
Adarabioyo signed a contract with Fulham in 2020 for a meager €1.65 million (£1.5 million), however his contract with the Premier League team is now expired. Since then, he has made 78 appearances in the Premier League for the Cottagers, and many now view him as a possible answer to Chelsea’s problems in the center of defense.
Romano reports for the Daily Briefing: “Newcastle are in the race for Tosin Adarabioyo, that’s for sure. Talks are taking place, he’s one of the names in their list for sure, though nothing is done or agreed yet.
“Chelsea also called to be informed on Adarabioyo a few weeks ago but there’s nothing advanced and no proposal from them at this stage. Still, the defender will be leaving Fulham as a free agent, so it’s not surprising to see interest from multiple clubs.”
An instant first-team impact
Adarabioyo would go straight into the Chelsea starting XI, according to SciSports, which rates the Manchester-born player only behind Levi Colwill in this area of the field.
A right-sided player, he could slot in seamlessly alongside the former Brighton loan player.
The analytics experts suggest that Adarabioyo is already a better player than the likes of Thiago Silva, who will leave Chelsea on a free transfer this summer, and Wesley Fofana, who has much to prove after another long-term injury.
Options such as Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi all come further down the pecking order.
It is worth noting that Disasi and Badiashile both have a higher potential ceiling than that Fulham man, yet with Adarabioyo on form, he could provide the instant boost that Mauricio Pochettino is looking for in his defence.
Available on a free transfer, this is a low-risk gamble Chelsea would be wise to take.