Exclusive: Enzo Maresca approves Chelsea’s first signing, Man Utd handed star but focus elsewhere

New Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has approved the signing of Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham. CaughtOffside you understand.
Sources close to the club have been informed CaughtOffside that Adarabioyo closed when he finished his move to Stamford Bridge, although he also had the opportunity to join many clubs, especially Newcastle United.
The Magpies made a strong approach to Adarabioyo but never completed a deal, and now Chelsea are closing in on a bid to hijack the deal, with the 26-year-old expected to join on a three-year deal after good talks.
After completing his contract at Fulham, Adarabioyo was seen being offered by many clubs in the Premier League and abroad, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham and AC Milan.
Man Utd are in the market for a defender this summer, though CaughtOffside they have been told their priority is still to sign Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, provided his price comes down.
Adarabioyo transfer: Free agent to join Chelsea over Man Utd and Arsenal
The sources also said CaughtOffside that Arsenal were also offered Adarabioyo but chose to focus on younger players in defence, including Antonio Silva, Leny Yoro and Ousmane Diomande.
Ajax youngster Jorrel Hato is on Arsenal’s list, as reported by columnists Fabrizio Romano and Charles Watts.
Marc Guehi could also be a name to watch at Arsenal, as the Crystal Palace defender’s future has been in doubt for a long time, with the likes of Chelsea and Man Utd also showing interest in the past.
Now, however, with Adarabioyo joining Chelsea, and United focusing on Branthwaite, it remains to be seen whether Guehi will still be an option for either of these clubs.
Adarabioyo impressed for Fulham last season and looks to be a good signing on a free, even if some Chelsea fans might have preferred a bigger name and more expensive purchase.
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