Chelsea offer contract to free agent

A week after parting company with Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s search for the Argentine’s successor continues. 

Pochettino departed Stamford Bridge last week by mutual consent, and several managers have since been linked with the vacant role.

Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna had been tipped to take over, but it now appears almost certain that Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca will be the new man at the helm in SW6.

The Italian guided the Foxes back to the Premier League last season, but looks likely to swap the King Power Stadium for Stamford Bridge next term.

In the meantime, Chelsea have offered a contract to Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, according to Sky Sports.

The defender is set to be out of contract this summer and will therefore be available as a free agent, and it is claimed that the Blues have offered the player a deal in a bid to bolster their defensive options.

Adarabioyo is set to leave Craven Cottage this summer

Adarabioyo, 26, joined the Cottagers from Manchester City’s academy in 2020, having previously spent time on loan at Blackburn Rovers and West Bromwich Albion.

He has since played more than 130 times for Fulham across all competitions, establishing himself as a regular under manager Marco Silva.

Last term, the Englishman played 25 times but was hampered by a groin injury for a considerable part of the campaign.

Chelsea’s need for defensive reinforcements comes following the departure of veteran centre-back Thiago Silva earlier this month; the Brazilian returned to former side Fluminense following Chelsea’s final game of the recent season.

Fellow defender Wesley Fofana is yet to return from a lengthy injury lay-off, while academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah has been the subject of speculation suggesting that he could be sold this summer.

Chelsea are said to face competition from Newcastle United in the race to sign Adarabioyo.