Chelsea exploring move for 'strong' Premier League centre-back

03/05/2024 18:37

Chelsea are one of the clubs exploring a move for ‘strong’ Premier League centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo, according to reports.

The 26-year-old Englishman helped Fulham win the Championship title in 2022 and has established himself as an important player for Marco Silva’s side.

Adarabioyo was dropped for Fulham’s last match, though, after reportedly telling the west London club that he would not sign a new contract at Craven Cottage.

Silva admitted on Friday that Adarabioyo, who started his career at Manchester City, will ‘probably’ be leaving Fulham when his current deal expires this summer.

‘When it starts to come, the news that he’s not going to be with us next season, I know what he told me, I prefer to keep that between us,’ Fulham boss Silva said.

‘Of course, that’s a decision from the player… We haven’t hidden that we tried to renew with him, not just him but other players near the end of their contracts and it’s not been easy. Probably his future is not going to be at the club any more.’

Adarabioyo joined Fulham four years ago from City after failing to break into the first team at the Etihad – but Pep Guardiola has always spoken highly of him.

‘He is fast, strong in the air, and has the quality to look forward behind the line for the next pass,’ Guardiola said about Adarabioyo back in 2016.

Chelsea are not the only club looking to snap up Adarabioyo with fellow Premier League side Newcastle United also considering a move, according to reports.

Adarabioyo has made a total of 132 appearances for Fulham to date and Silva says he is still available for selection despite the speculation over his future.

‘Last weekend [against Crystal Palace] my decision was a technical decision,’ Silva said ahead of Fulham’s trip to Brentford.

‘I know all the noise around him and his future of course. Of course I have been speaking to him, I have a really close relationship like with all the players and everything is clear between myself and him, like all the other players, and from him to me and my staff as well.

‘If Tosin is going to be on the pitch he’s going to be on the pitch, he’s going to be in the squad if I’m going decide for him to be in the squad. Nothing has changed from last week.’