26-year-old Nigeria eligible Tosin Adarabioyo is on the verge of becoming Chelsea's first signing under new manager Enzo Maresca. Although Manchester United made a last-minute attempt, talks with Chelsea were already well underway, Nigeriasoccernet.com gathered.
Adarabioyo, a free agent after his contract with Fulham expired, had attracted interest from several clubs. Newcastle initially seemed close to securing his signature, but Chelsea swooped in with a better offer last month.
This offer was further improved after Maresca's appointment, with whom Adarabioyo previously worked at Manchester City.
The prospect of European football at Chelsea and a reunion with Maresca proved too appealing for the defender.
While Manchester United identified Adarabioyo as a target and made a concrete offer over the weekend, his mind was already set on joining Chelsea under Maresca.
While Manchester United were interested in Adarabioyo, his decision to join Chelsea highlights their ongoing rebuild. The club is finalizing their recruitment team after an end-of-season review.
By Olaleye Oluwadamilola