Chelsea CONFIRM Tosin arrival in free transfer from Fulham on four-year deal as they complete first signing of summer

CHELSEA have announced the signing of centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo.

The 26-year-old has penned a four-year deal at Stamford Bridge after leaving Fulham as a free agent this summer.

ChelseaTosin Adarabioyo has signed for Chelsea[/caption]

Tosin joins as a free agent from FulhamGetty

Tosin had been linked with a number of other clubs over the summer and is said to have turned down a move to Newcastle United in favour of signing for Chelsea.

The defender has described the move as a “full-circle moment” after being born just a stones throw from Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to the official club website, he said: “Chelsea is a huge club and this is a full-circle moment for me.

“I was born three miles away from Stamford Bridge and made my professional debut there.

‘I’m very excited and looking forward to helping push the club in the direction we want to go.”

He added: “Growing up, Chelsea has always been a club that have performed well and one that have had great players and teams to watch. Chelsea have won big trophies and long may it continue.

“I’m here to win. I want to win. It’s as simple as that really.

“I just want to keep working and pushing the team and the club in the direction we want to go in. I’m excited to get going.”

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Tosin made his professional debut against the Blues in 2016 when he was still on the book at Man City.

The star gradated from City’s academy before heading out on formative loan spells with Blackburn Rovers and West Brom.

He left the Etihad in 2020 to join Fulham where he made 132 appearances, including 78 in the Premier League.

He became a crucial cog in Marco Silva‘s side in recent times and helped the Cottagers achieve consecutive 10th and 13th place finishes in the league over the last two seasons.

The cost-efficient arrival becomes Chelsea’s first signing of the summer and the first coup of new manager Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart discussed the signing with the club’s official outlets.

They said: “We are delighted to bring Tosin to Chelsea.

“Throughout his career, he has showcased his maturity and defensive qualities and has gained a wealth of experience in the Premier League in recent seasons.

“He is ready to make the step up to Chelsea and work alongside the talented players in our squad. We look forward to Tosin joining up with us for pre-season.”

The star will find some familiar faces in the dressing room at Chelsea having worked with both Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling at Man City.

While Enzo Maresca‘s assistant Willy Cabellero was also on the books at City during Tosin’s time in Manchester.

Tosin started his career at Man CityGetty – Contributor

ChelseaHe has signed a four-year deal with Chelsea[/caption]