Chelsea has reportedly made a contract offer to Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo despite needing a first-team manager. The Blues need a coach following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure earlier this month. However, they still pursue Adarabioyo, a highly sought-after free agent.

According to reports, Chelsea has “confirmed” their offer to the 26-year-old defender, who will become a free agent when his contract with Fulham expires at the end of the month. Adarabioyo, a former Manchester City academy player, is attracting interest from several top clubs.

Interest Beyond Chelsea

Adarabioyo’s potential move to Chelsea is not guaranteed, as he is on the radar of several other clubs. Newcastle United is particularly keen on signing the center-back. Eddie Howe, Newcastle’s manager, sees Adarabioyo as an ideal replacement for Sven Botman, who is currently injured. The Magpies have placed him high on their summer transfer wishlist.

Manchester United is also interested in acquiring Adarabioyo. The defender’s availability as a free agent makes him an attractive option for the Red Devils as they look to strengthen their squad.

Fulham has been preparing for Adarabioyo’s departure for some time. The defender rejected a substantial new deal from the club, signaling his intention to move on. Fulham’s manager, Marco Silva, addressed the situation earlier this month, explaining his decision to leave Adarabioyo out of recent matches.

Silva said, “Last weekend, my decision was a technical decision. I know all the noise around him and his future, of course. I have been speaking to him, I have a really close relationship with all the players, and everything is clear between myself and him, like all the other players.”

Silva continued, “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 decide for him to be in the squad. Nothing has changed from last week. When it starts to come, the news that he’s not going to be with us next season, I knew what he told me, I prefer to keep that between us. Of course, that’s a decision from the player. But apart from that Tosin is ready to play or to be in the squad if I decide for him to be there.”

Adarabioyo’s decision to leave Fulham and seek new opportunities has been anticipated, and now Chelsea is one of the clubs vying for his signature. If he joins the Blues, he could be the first signing of the new era under a yet-to-be-appointed manager. As Chelsea navigates this managerial transition, securing a player of Adarabioyo’s caliber would be a significant move. His defensive skills and experience could prove valuable for the team’s ambitions in the upcoming season.

Chelsea’s pursuit of Adarabioyo reflects their ongoing efforts to strengthen their squad despite the absence of a head coach. The club is keen to build a robust team capable of competing at the highest level, and Adarabioyo’s addition would enhance their defensive options.

While Chelsea remains in the mix for Adarabioyo, the Newcastle United and Manchester United competition adds an intriguing dynamic to the transfer saga. Newcastle’s interest is driven by the need to replace the injured Sven Botman, while Manchester United sees an opportunity to bolster their defense with a talented free agent.

Adarabioyo’s future is yet to be decided, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining his next move. For Fulham, his departure marks the end of a chapter, and they will need to find a replacement to fill the void left by his exit. Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Manchester United will continue to monitor the situation closely, hoping to secure the services of a player with significant potential.

The post Chelsea rumor: Hijack planned on Manchester United target in the upcoming days appeared first on ClutchPoints.