Despite the Premier League season having only recently concluded, there seems to be no calm at Chelsea following Mauricio Pochettino's departure.
Although the Blues remain active in the manager market to find a successor, they have not taken their eye off the squad to address key areas that require reinforcement.
The center-back department was forecasted early on to need strengthening after Thiago Silva announced an emotional farewell from Chelsea.
Although young and high-potential defenders attracted interest from the West London club, who would undoubtedly cost a hefty fee, Chelsea seems to have decided to take a sensible route by pursuing a late move for former Fulham center-back Tosin Adarabioyo, as reported by Graeme Bailey.
HITC understands that Chelsea have made a late move to land Tosin Adarabioyo.
— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) May 26, 2024
Newcastle have been leading Manchester United in the chase for the Fulham man but now Chelsea have entered the fray.https://t.co/NCahO7LVHs
The 26-year-old Englishman was reported to have entered a deal with Newcastle United, however, Chelsea has joined the race to secure the free agent for the 2024/25 season.
The Blues have a wealth of talent in this position, with Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi, Benoît Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, and Alfie Gilchrist. Therefore, a move for Adarabioyo raises questions on the future of the center-backs, namely Chalobah, who is touted for a move away from Stamford Bridge as the owners look to book profits in their financials and avoid any breach in the strict Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) that could cost Chelsea points in the coming season, as painfully experienced by Everton and Nottingham Forest.
Players | Senior Division Experience |
|---|---|
Axel Disasi | 14,670 |
Tosin Adarabioyo | 12,906 |
Benoît Badiashile | 10,963 |
Trevoh Chalobah | 9,083 |
Wesley Fofana | 5,946 |
Levi Colwill | 3.548 |
Alfie Gilchrist | 663 |
Adarabioyo would bring an abundance of experience that Chelsea's center-backs generally lack, with over 12000 minutes of senior division minutes. Once described by Marco Silva as a "special player", the former Manchester City academy graduate can provide stability and assurance in the backline.
Not only did Silva rate Adarabioyo for his defending but also his capacity to assist the team during the build-up phase.
"The way he can defend the box but also on the ball, he is a special player for me, the way I want to play, the way he can build (from the back)."Marco Silva
Furthermore, there are intangible qualities like leadership that he can bring to the Chelsea dressing room - a void left by Silva that Adarabioyo can fill to a fair extent.
"He is a key player for us. He is one of the leaders in our dressing room, and we need these guys to step in at the right moments, and he did it."Marco Silva
Whether the Sporting Directors and the owners can secure a deal for Adarabioyo at this stage is yet to be seen, but there is no denying that he will be a welcome addition to the Chelsea roster.