CHELSEA are in the “final stages” of completing defender Tosin Adaraybioyo’s transfer from rivals Fulham, according to reports.
The Blues have been battling with Newcastle for the English centre-back, 26, while Manchester United was also mooted as a potential destination.
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But now the West London club, who are preparing to welcome Enzo Maresca as their new manager, are set to land the ex-Manchester City man – who is out of contract this summer.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, negotiations are at the “final stages” after weeks of talks as Tosin prepares to become Maresca’s first signing following his move from Leicester.
Chelsea are said to be the “clear favourites” to sign Tosin but are remaining “cautious” until the deal is completed.
Fulham have been resigned to losing Adarabioyo since he snubbed their offer of a bumper new deal.
In May, manager Marco Silva said: “I know all the noise around him and his future of course.
“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. And from him to me and my staff as well.
“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’m going 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 know what he told me, I prefer to keep that between us.
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“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.”
Tosin, a Man City academy product, moved to Fulham from the Etihad in 2020.
He has played 129 games at Craven Cottage and established himself as one of Silva’s most important players.
Meanwhile, Fulham have identified former Leicester defender Caglar Soyuncu as a possible replacement.
Soyuncu, 26, spent this season on loan at Fenerbahce after finding opportunities limited at parent club Atletico Madrid.
Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo Maresca
ENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.
Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.
His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.
He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.
His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.
Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.
He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.
He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.
Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.
He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”
During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.
