“I’m very excited”- Tosin Adarabaiyo’s first words after Chelsea beat Newcastle in transfer race

Chelsea land Tosin Adarabioyo on free transfer, completing first signing of summer

Chelsea have announced their first signing of the summer, as Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo joins the West Londoners on a free transfer on a four-year contract.

Adarabioyo will officially become a Chelsea player when his contract at Craven Cottage expires at the end of June 2024. The centre-back completed his medical at the Bridge earlier this week, and with his medical showing no hurdles, the Blues have announced the acquisition of the Manchester City graduate.

Owing to his contract expiring with the Cottagers, multiple clubs made an inquiry for his signatures ahead of the summer transfer window; however, he rejected multiple elite approaches to become the first signing of Enzo Maresca’s era in West London. The Blues beat the likes of Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United to secure the Englishman’s signature.

Adarabioyo eager to prove himself at Chelsea

Following his move to Chelsea, he spoke about the fact that he was born just miles away from the Bridge and how excited he is to pull the Chelsea colors. Tosin said (via. Sky Sports):

“Chelsea is a huge club, and this is a full-circle moment for me. I was born three miles away from Stamford Bridge and made my professional debut there. I’m very excited and looking forward to helping push the club in the direction we want to go.”

Following Thiago Silva’s exit after the conclusion of last season, a position has opened up in the defensive roster at Chelsea, and Tosin Adarabioyo will fill that gap. The 39-year-old is expected to join the Brazilian club Fluminense. Chelsea are also expected to sell academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah, and Tosin’s arrival could help accelerate the departure of the Chelsea academy defender.

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This transfer is a massive coup for the West Londoners, especially considering the no-cost fee associated with his arrival at the Bridge.