Over the past few seasons, the lack of stability has become a problem for Chelsea and Todd Boehly.
Mauricio Pochettino was meant to be the man to help rebuild the club, but his exit means that they’re almost at square one again.
Luckily, after searching the market for a new manager, the Blues seem to have settled on making Enzo Maresca their new boss.
The Italian’s announcement is reportedly imminent, but let’s take a look at a player who could be joining him at Stamford Bridge very soon.
Chelsea’s search for a new defender
According to reports in Italy, Chelsea have “sent a proposal” to Fulham ace Tosin Adarabioyo.
The defender’s contract at Craven Cottage will expire this summer, which means plenty of clubs are keeping an eye on his situation.
The likes of Newcastle United and Manchester United are both interested in Adarabioyo due to the fact that his transfer would cost nothing.
However, the Blues believe that they’re in pole position to sign the 26-year-old, especially as the Cottagers are keen to bring Trevoh Chalobah on board.
Why Adarabioyo would be a great signing for Maresca
Despite missing the majority of the first half of the campaign through injury, Adarabioyo has certainly impressed enough to ensure that he’ll be playing for a top club next season.
The English defender has featured in 20 Premier League matches this season, starting 18 of those, mainly alongside Calvin Bassey.
Throughout these matches, the number four showcased that he has an extremely desirable profile for a centre-back, having the physicality, technical ability, and defensive security to excel.
If Adarabioyo were to join Chelsea this summer and play under Maresca, then his role would be to slot in at right centre back, the exact position that he’s played throughout his career.
| Adarabioyo vs Chalobah 23/24 PL Stats | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats | Adarabioyo | Disasi |
| Clean sheets | 6 | 2 |
| Touches (per game) | 70.3 | 69 |
| Passes completed (per game) | 51.3 | 52.4 |
| Tackles (per game) | 1.1 | 1.2 |
| Clearances (per game) | 4 | 3.8 |
| Aerial duels won (per game) | 2.9 | 1.5 |
| Interceptions (per game) | 1.2 | 0.6 |
| Via Sofascore | ||
However, his instruction would be slightly different from what he’d previously been used to, due to the fact that the 44-year-old likes his right back to invert into midfield when in possession.
