Enzo Maresca has not yet taken possession of the office at the end of the corridor in the Cobham training center (he will do so from 1 July, when his five-year contract officially starts), that Chelsea have already given him a gift. Tosin Adarabioyo, released from Fulham, is the Blues’ first signing with the seventh Italian in their history at the helm. An intelligent purchase, which arrives on a free transfer, of a central defender who at 26 years old has just completed the best season of his career (20 appearances and two goals in the Premier League with the Cottagers), who has long been in the sights of Milan and who promises to continue to grow .
WHO IS
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Born in London, in a hospital less than 5km from Stamford Bridge, Tosin moved with his family to Manchester as a child and at the age of 5 he joined City’s youth team, but never made his league debut with them. He tasted the Premier League for the first time in 2020-21 with Fulham and then again with the Cottagers in the last two seasons. Released by neighbors Chelsea, Tosin was one of the most sought after free agents on the market, but when the Blues called he preferred them to Newcastle, who had also invested a lot. “I’m here to win,” he said in his first interview on the official website of his new club. I want to continue working and help the team and the club continue in the direction they have decided to take. I can’t wait to get started. I’m a natural leader, something I think is required of a central defender. And I think I have become one of the best central defenders in the Premier League in recent years.”
MARKET
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Tosin, who should take the place vacated by Thiago Silva, should be just the first of the reinforcements for Maresca. Except that first Chelsea has to settle the accounts for Financial Fair Play, with the June 30 deadline looming and the need to sell even valuable pieces to make ends meet. The first name on the list is Conor Gallagher, who is liked by Tottenham and Aston Villa but for whom the Blues are asking for at least 58 million euros. Trevor Chalobah, Armando Broja and obviously Romelu Lukaku are also out.
