Tosin Adarabioyo takes his medical to seal free transfer to Chelsea from Fulham, as new boss Enzo Maresca gets his man ahead of Newcastle

Tosin Adarabioyo has been undergoing medicals today ahead of his move to Chelsea.

The Fulham defender will become the first signing of the Enzo Maresca era once he completes formalities of his deal after agreeing to join Chelsea at the weekend.

Newcastle United had been leading the way for the 26-year-old and were close to an agreement, however, Chelsea made an improved proposal at the end of last week and talks advanced quickly.

Adarabioyo knows Chelsea’s new boss Maresca from their time together at Manchester City while the fact Chelsea qualified for Europe was an added incentive to the move.

Adarabioyo is a free agent at the end of the month when his contract at Fulham expires.

Adarabioyo is highly-sought after this summer given he will be a free agent at the end of June

The 26-year-old is set to become the first signing for incoming Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca

The fact he is a player with extensive Premier League experience available on a free transfer is an another obvious attraction.

Thiago Silva’s departure this summer has opened up a slot for a centre-back ahead of next season, and Adarabioyo is viewed as an excellent value for money option as the club look to ease the void left by the Brazilian.

And while there is recognition that Adarabioyo isn’t necessarily a like of like replacement for Silva, Chelsea’s technical team view the centre half as a player of significant potential who can develop.