Nigeria-eligible Adarabioyo targeted by Chelsea
Fulham center-back Tosin Adarabioyo could see a move to the top six of the Prem.

LONDON — Reports link Fulham center-back Tosin Adarabioyo with a summer transfer to European giants Chelsea. Adarabioyo, who will not renew his rapidly expiring contract with Fulham, is also fielding interest from Newcastle and Tottenham.
Adarabioyo made 20 Premier League appearances with the Cottagers, missing extensive time through groin surgery at the beginning of the year. A strong, solid defender with a lot of muscle, Fulham leaned on his composure and vision throughout the season. He was a primary piece in Fulham’s possession-oriented football.
“We missed him a lot, we missed him because he didn’t play the first three months of the season. Tosin is a special player for us, I can’t hide that situation,” manager Marco Silva told reporters. “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).”
“For three months we missed him but he has just played the last four or five games and is getting better. A great performance from him against Everton and to be able to take the last decision to decide the game he deserves all the credit.”
However, the Manchester City U23 alum decided to let his contract expire and enter free agency this summer. Several Premier League clubs are foaming at the mouth to complete a free transfer for the center-back.
Newcastle are frontrunners in the race for Adarabioyo’s services. Reports surfaced that Newcastle, in need of depth at the position due to several injuries, were close to agreeing a $127,000-per-week deal. However, teams like Chelsea and Manchester United are also keen on the transfer and could hijack the deal.
Adarabioyo will not travel with the English national team to Germany for Euros 2024, opening the door to a potential call-up to Nigeria. He has held a long-standing interest in playing for the Super Eagles, expressing a desire to play at both the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 AFCON.
Although paperwork issues with FIFA and Adarabioyo not officially switching his nationality stopped the potential partnership, Adarabioyo will have another chance to play for Nigeria in the July international window.