Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that top Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle are battling for the signature of Fulham central defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
As his contract with the Cottagers is set to expire in the summer, numerous clubs are lining up to secure his signature for free, drawn by his experience and quality.
Adarabioyo has previously been linked with Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, both of whom are looking to strengthen their defensive departments in the upcoming transfer window.
Italian giants AC Milan are considering making a move for Adarabioyo, a graduate of the Manchester City Academy. However, they face a tough challenge in outbidding English clubs interested in him.
Fulham is keen on extending the contract of Adarabioyo, who currently earns £40,000 per week, to prevent him from leaving for free this summer. They plan to continue negotiations with the centre-back to retain him as one of their key players.
Adarabioyo joined Fulham on a three-year deal in October 2020 after spending 17 years at Manchester City.
The club holds the option to prolong the contract for an additional year. While the precise transfer fee remains undisclosed, local media reports have hinted at a potential £2 million payout to Manchester City for the transfer, alongside a 20% share of any subsequent transaction proceeds.
Romano reveals pursuit of Adarabioyo by top English clubs
Romano shed light on Newcastle United's ambitious plans to bolster their defensive lineup ahead of the upcoming season.
According to Romano, Newcastle is aggressively pursuing two key defensive targets: Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth and Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham.
Romano's insights provide a glimpse into the intense competition among Premier League clubs for top talent, with Newcastle emerging as frontrunners in their pursuit.
“Yes, they are working hard for signings as we have already said on the podcast. Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth, top target, Newcastle are really confident to make it happen.
“So remember Kelly and Newcastle, the expectation is for the deal to advance really fast in the next weeks.
“And then they are still working on Tosin Adarabioyo. Chelsea also called for him, also Manchester United are informed of the situation but Newcastle in this case are really pushing.
“Eddie Howe appreciates the player and so Newcastle could sign two centre-backs on a free transfer. From what I'm hearing Kelly is really, really advanced and for Tosin Adarabioyo, negotiations are still ongoing,” Romano said on his Here We Go podcast.
Is Adarabioyo the ideal Thiago Silva replacement?
After a memorable four-year stint at Chelsea, Thiago Silva is bidding farewell to the club that he has deeply connected with since his arrival from PSG on a free transfer in 2020.
The veteran defender, who has etched his name into Chelsea's history with 152 appearances across all competitions, including pivotal roles in securing the Champions League title in 2021 and the UEFA Super Cup that same year, is set to embark on a new chapter of his career.
During his time at Chelsea, Silva's impact extended beyond the pitch, forging an enduring bond with the club's supporters.
Despite originally signing a one-year deal in 2020, Silva's contributions led to multiple contract extensions, keeping him at Stamford Bridge for an additional three seasons.
However, the trend has come to a close in 2024, as Silva confirms his return to Brazilian side Fluminense upon the expiration of his contract.
In light of Silva's departure, Chelsea is actively seeking a worthy successor to bolster their defensive ranks. Among their targets is Tosin Adarabioyo as reported by Romano.
Adarabioyo's imposing presence and defensive prowess have caught the attention of Chelsea's hierarchy, who view him as a potential replacement for the outgoing Silva.
How Tosin Adarabioyo can shore up Manchester United's defence
Manchester United's defensive woes have been a glaring issue throughout the current Premier League campaign, with the team conceding 55 goals in just 35 games.
The leaky defense has been a cause for concern among fans and pundits alike, highlighting the urgent need for reinforcements at the back.
In this context, the acquisition of Tosin Adarabioyo could prove to be a crucial step in addressing Manchester United's defensive frailties.
Adarabioyo has emerged as one of the best defenders in the Premier League. At just 26, he possesses a rare blend of physicality, composure on the ball, and tactical intelligence that belies his years.
Standing tall at 196cm, Adarabioyo commands the penalty area with authority, excelling in aerial duels and providing a formidable presence in defensive set-pieces—a facet where Manchester United has often struggled.
One of Adarabioyo's standout attributes is his ability to read the game and anticipate opposition movements, allowing him to position himself effectively to intercept passes and snuff out attacking threats.
His calmness under pressure and willingness to engage in timely challenges make him a reliable figure in the heart of the defense—a quality sorely lacking in Manchester United's current backline.
His adeptness at initiating counterattacks and launching long-range passes could provide an added dimension to Manchester United's offensive play, transitioning seamlessly from defense to attack.
The Battle for Adarabioyo: Who will win the race for his signature?
The race for Tosin Adarabioyo's services intensifies each passing day, with each club eager to bolster their defensive ranks with the talented defender.
Newcastle United, under the leadership of manager Eddie Howe, are making significant strides in their pursuit of Adarabioyo.
With a clear vision for the club's future and a desire to strengthen their defensive spine, Newcastle has emerged as frontrunners in the race.
Howe's admiration for Adarabioyo's abilities and Newcastle's ambitious plans for the future could prove decisive in their quest to secure his signature.
Meanwhile, Chelsea's interest in Adarabioyo reflects their perennial pursuit of top talent in the transfer market.
The Blues, known for their financial prowess and global appeal, present an enticing proposition for the defender.
With the departure of veteran Thiago Silva, Chelsea is keen to identify a long-term successor, and Adarabioyo's defensive prowess and potential make him an attractive option for the West London outfit.
Manchester United, despite their defensive struggles this season, remain a force to be reckoned with in the transfer market.
The Red Devils boast a rich history and a global fanbase, factors that could sway Adarabioyo's decision.
With manager Erik Ten Hag's commitment to revitalising the squad and returning to the pinnacle of English football, Manchester United presents a compelling destination for the ambitious defender.
As the transfer saga unfolds, the question remains: who will emerge victorious in the race for Adarabioyo's signature?
Adarabioyo has yet to represent Nigeria at the international level despite his Nigerian roots.
Reports emerged of an approach by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to convince him to play for the Super Eagles, a proposition he reportedly declined initially.
However, in 2020, Adarabioyo hinted at a potential change of heart, expressing his aspirations of representing either England or Nigeria at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Regrettably, Nigeria failed to make an appearance in Qatar, while England did, but Tosin Adarabioyo wasn't considered for their squad.
