Chelsea have signed 26-year-old centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo from fellow West London club Fulham on a free transfer, the Premier League club announced on Friday. Adarabioyo, who will join the Stamford Bridge side on a four-year contract starting July 1st, has one appearance for England Under-19s and has played 78 times in the Premier League.
He is the first player to join Chelsea since the announcement of new head coach Enzo Maresca earlier this week, and will strengthen their centre-back options following veteran Thiago Silva's departure.
"We are delighted to bring Tosin to Chelsea," said Chelsea co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.
"Throughout his career, he has demonstrated maturity and strong defensive skills, gaining substantial Premier League experience in recent seasons.
"He is prepared to step up to Chelsea and collaborate with the talented players in our squad. We eagerly anticipate Tosin joining us for pre-season."
Chelsea aim to rejuvenate their fortunes under Maresca after finishing sixth in the standings last season.
"I'm excited to start working with Enzo, and I know the team is as well," Adarabioyo said.
"It's going to be thrilling. We're going to play attractive football and win many games. There are top players in this squad, and I’m eager to play alongside them all."