'Frightening' defender has now completed Chelsea medical as attention is turned to 22y/o Crystal Palace star

Tosin Adarabioyo has completed his Chelsea medicals this week after agreeing to join, turning down Newcastle who offered a similar package. The English defender started the medical on Monday before completing it on Tuesday evening, LondonWorld has been exclusively told.

The Fulham defender will become the first signing of the Enzo Maresca era as Chelsea look to start a pivotal summer that could see three new players arrive at Stamford Bridge and five leave. 

Adarabioyo is a free agent at the end of this month when his contract at Fulham expires and will essentially replace Thiago Silva who left the club after a glittering four-year period at Stamford Bridge where he won the Champions League among others. 

“He is going to be a frightening defender for us. He is young and is very good with the ball at his feet,” Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said when he made his Champions League debut against Steaua București on 24 August 2016, 

The now 26-year-old also knows newly appointed Chelsea boss Maresca from their time together at the Etihad academy and he’s expected to also provide height and the ability to play from the back, which will be central to how the Italian manager wants to set up his Chelsea squad. 

Last week LondonWorld reported Adarabioyo had turned down Newcastle who were confident of signing to join Chelsea in a massive blow to the Magpies as they looked to add depth to their squad. 

Given that he was a free agent, he would have been a brilliant signing for Eddie Howe’s side who are keeping an eye on the Premier League’s sustainability rules. They have struggled to adequately strengthen their squad and that cost them in the Champions League last season and a place in Europe this season.

Chelsea turn attention to Michael Olise

Chelsea are expected to make their move for exciting Crystal Palace forward Michael Olise. The former Reading star signed a new deal at Selhurst last summer but both Manchester United and Chelsea have him high on their list with Palace determined to keep him.

The 22-year-old Olise has a good relationship with new Eagles boss Oliver Glasner but his 10 goals and six assists from 19 games last season have turned the heads of clubs higher up the table.