Chelsea sign Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo on four-year deal

The Manchester City academy product is set to move on July 1 following the expiry of his contract at Craven Cottage.

The 26-year-old underwent a medical earlier this week and moves across west London to Stamford Bridge as a direct replacement for Thiago Silva, after the veteran Brazilian departed for Fluminense.

The PA new agency understands Chelsea were attracted by the defender's technical ability in possession whilst his height and physical attributes also appealed following the loss of the influential Silva.

He told the club's website: "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."

Adarabioyo, who came through the Manchester City academy made only eight first-team appearances, played 132 times for Fulham across a four-year spell including 78 games in the Premier League.

Before joining the club he spent time on loan in the Championship at West Brom and Blackburn.

Co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart 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 the club's first signing since Enzo Maresca was confirmed as manager on a five-year deal earlier this week, replacing Mauricio Pochettino who left by mutual consent following the end of the league season.

The club spent more than £1billion during the first three transfer windows of owners Clearlake Capital's tenure, but did not make any signings last January and this summer are expected to be less active in the market than previously, with the squad having looked settled during the last months of Pochettino's reign.

A deal is thought to be close to sing Brazilian teenager Estevao Willian, though PA understands nothing concrete has yet been agreed.

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