EXCLUSIVE: Adarabioyo snubbed Newcastle in favour of Chelsea to stay in London

Jacque Talbot

• 6 Jun 2024 16:30 BST
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Tosin Adarabioyo’s decision to join Chelsea was heavily influenced by his desire to remain in London despite suggestions that it was to do with earning a significantly higher wage, FootballTransfers can reveal.

The 26-year-old was the subject of interest from Newcastle and Manchester United following his time at Fulham, but it was Chelsea who managed to beat others to the punch and land the player.

We are told that Newcastle offered a basic wage of £130,000 per week to Adarabioyo, while Chelsea slightly edged them out with a £135,000 per week offer. However, the financial incentives were not the decisive factor for the defender and it was actually his commitment to staying in the capital that compelled his decision.

Furthermore, the centre-back knows Enzo Maresca, the Blues’ new head coach, from their time at Manchester City, the club were Adarabioyo first started his career. His addition to the side marks the first transfer for the Italian during his tenure at the club.

Tosin Adarabioyo edges close to Chelsea move

Adarabioyo had a medical at Chelsea on Tuesday and the Blues are expected to complete the formalities of the seal in the coming days.

However, their move is seen as a huge blow to Newcastle, who had put in the legwork to secure his signature as a free agent. Magpies head coach Eddie Howe has now set his sights on Lloyd Kelly, a player he previously signed for Bournemouth from Bristol City for £13 million in 2019.

Since then, the 25-year-old defender has made 141 appearances for the Cherries and has also served as the club captain.