- Adarabioyo joined Chelsea from Fulham in the summer and has played 17 times
- Trevoh Chalobah was recalled from his loan spell by the Blues this week
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Brighton have expressed an interest in Tosin Adarabioyo – just seven months after Chelsea signed him on a free transfer.
The highly-rated former Manchester City product has made 17 appearances and started five of the past league matches at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Fulham.
But Mail Sport understand that the Seagulls are keen on trying to tempt the 27-year-old to the south coast in a permanent deal that could provide Chelsea with an almost-immediate return on a relatively small investment.
It remains to be seen whether Stamford Bridge officials will sanction the move after contact was made. Adarabioyo scored twice in their FA Cup rout of Morecambe and his form has been improving. However, Chelsea have recalled fellow defender Trevoh Chalobah early from his loan spell at Crystal Palace, following hamstring injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile.
Chalobah has been assured he will start matches after the recall was triggered, while 18-year-old Josh Acheampong, whom Adarabioyo replaced from the bench in his side’s with Bournemouth, is now viewed as a first-team player.
As reported on Wednesday, Chelsea’s efforts to land Marc Guehi in this window are in the balance, with Palace not planning on bringing in a replacement for Chalobah.
Brighton have expressed an interest in signing defender Tosin Adarabioyo from Chelsea
A move to the south coast could provide Chelsea with an almost-immediate return for their free summer investment
Trevoh Chalobah was recalled from his loan spell due to the defender shortage at Chelsea
The situation with Adarabioyo is intriguing. Fulham are thought to have paid City around £2million for his services in 2020 but his progression and Premier League experience would allow Chelsea to command a fee far higher.
Given that the player arrived on a free, should Chelsea decide to sell the move would have a considerable impact on their situation with regards to the top flight’s profit and sustainability rules and be seen by many as a smart piece of business.
In a recent interview with the Chelsea website, Adarabioyo – who signed a four-year contract – spoke of adjusting to a new environment.
‘It definitely feels like home now,’ he said. ‘It’s been quite seamless settling in, knowing the manager and a few of the boys. It’s been great.’
He also spoke about the challenge of holding down a regular place in the starting XI.
‘When you join a top club like Chelsea, there are top players in every position, so you have to fight every single day in training and be patient and bide your time, like I have done so far,’ Adarabioyo said.
‘Competition for places elevates your own game to a new level, that’s what it’s all about. It’s why we have so many good players in every position to push us on.
‘We are one group here; we all support each other no matter if you’re on the bench or in the starting XI.’
