Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement to sign centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham on a free transfer ahead of the next season.
The move comes after Newcastle had expressed interest in the Manchester City academy graduate.
However, Chelsea appear to have an edge to secure the services of the player.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Adarabioyo’s medical tests are scheduled for next week.
Tosin Adarabioyo set to be Chelsea’s first player signing of the summer – Getty image
While other documents will be signed after, assuming all goes as planned.
UCL: Gyokeres told he was ‘barely visible’ during Sporting vs Arsenal clash Viktor Gyokeres endured a frustrating return to Lisbon as Arsenal squeezed out a 1-0 win over Sporting CP in their Champions League quarter-final first leg, with the striker coming under heavy criticism from the Portuguese media. The Swedish forward, who previously starred for Sporting, was largely ineffective throughout the encounter at the Estadio Jose Alvalade. Despite a strong reception from home supporters, his performance failed to match expectations. Local outlet A Bola summed up his performance bluntly, stating: “The striker celebrates with a mask, [but] seemed masked: he was barely visible.” Other publications echoed similar sentiments, with O Jogo noting that Sporting “stifled” their former talisman, while Público described him as “largely absent from the game.” Gyokeres, who scored 97 goals in 102 appearances during his time in Portugal, managed just 17 touches and struggled to impose himself against a defence that appeared well-drilled in neutralising his strengths. Numbers speak to a difficult outing Statistically, his performance showed lack of impact. His only notable involvement came in the build-up to a disallowed goal for Martin Zubimendi, where he was flagged offside. A late effort on goal, comfortably handled by Rui Silva, summed up an underwhelming night for the forward, who was unable to replicate his usual clinical edge that led Arsenal to invest heavily in his signing. Substitutes changed the game With Gyokeres struggling to influence play, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta turned to his bench for inspiration. The introduction of Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz proved decisive. Havertz eventually delivered the breakthrough with a stoppage-time winner, sealing a narrow advantage for the Premier League side ahead of the second leg in London.
Apr 8, 2026
Romano confirmed the deal, saying, “Tosin Adarabioyo to Chelsea, here we go! Initial approach one month ago and verbal agreement reached today.”
Chelsea fans have already shown their excitement for Adarabioyo’s arrival by bringing up his old social media posts praising the club’s stars.
In particular, posts on his X account show admiration for former Chelsea forward Eden Hazard, with comments such as “Hazard is a problem” and several fire emojis.
Adarabioyo is expected to be the first signing under the new head coach, Enzo Maresca, who is hoped to replace Mauricio Pochettino.
Maresca will reportedly sign a long-term deal to lead Chelsea from next season.