Brighton have shown interest in Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo, despite the defender only arriving at Stamford Bridge seven months ago.
The 27-year-old came from Manchester City’s academy but has not been in the capital long, having joined on a free transfer from neighboring Fulham in the summer.
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Adarabioyo has made 17 appearances for the Blues this season and has started five of their last league games, having featured two miles further from Craven Cottage.
It is now reported that Brighton are currently exploring an approach for Adarabioyo, a move that could give Chelsea a quick return on their minimal investment.
According to the Daily Mail, it is unclear whether Chelsea will give the transfer the green light after Brighton contacted them.
Adarabioyo’s performances have steadily improved and he recently scored two goals in the FA Cup game against Morecambe.
However, Chelsea’s defensive situation has become more complex with Trevoh Chalobah recalled from his loan spell at Crystal Palace due to injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile.
Chalobah’s return to Chelsea also guarantees him playing time for the west London side, with Enzo Maresca set to make him an integral part of his team in the second half of the season.
Teenage star Josh Acheampong – who Adarabioyo replaced from the bench in Chelsea’s game against Bournemouth – is now also considered part of the first team at the age of 18.
It comes as Chelsea’s pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi hangs in the balance.
Crystal Palace are reportedly unwilling to bring in a replacement for Chalobah, complicating negotiations as they do not want to lose any of their key players.
From a financial perspective, Adarabioyo’s potential sale would bring Chelsea a significant profit.
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Fulham originally acquired him from Manchester City for £2million in 2020 and his development and experience in the top flight could now earn him a much higher transfer fee.
As he arrived on a free transfer, any proceeds from his sale would also have a positive impact on Chelsea’s standing under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
There has also been interest from the Premier League in another Chelsea defender, Renato Veiga, although he is reportedly more interested in a loan move than a permanent move from the London club.
Adarabioyo recently spoke to Chelsea’s official website about his adjustment to life at the club.
“It definitely feels like home now,” he said. “The settling in went smoothly as I knew the manager and some of the boys. It was great.”
He also addressed the challenge of securing a regular place in the starting line-up in such a large squad.
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“When you move to a top club like Chelsea, there are top players in every position, so you have to fight every day in training and be patient and wait for the right time, like I have done so far,” he said.
“Competing for places takes your game to a new level, that’s what it’s all about. That’s why we have so many good players in every position who can push us.
“We are a group here; We all support each other, whether you’re on the bench or in the starting line-up.”