Tosin Adarabioyo has shared during his first interview as a Chelsea player that he spoke with two new teammates before completing his move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have now confirmed their first summer signing as the Enzo Maresca era takes shape.
The Blues announced via their official website on Friday morning that Tosin Adarabioyo has signed a four-year deal with the club.
His contract officially begins on 1 July and he arrives on a free transfer after his deal at close rivals Fulham was allowed to expire.
- READ MORE: What Chelsea have already recognised about signing Tosin Adarabioyo to replace Thiago Silva
Tosin Adarabioyo has already spoke with two Chelsea players
Tosin, 26, will be walking into a new environment at Chelsea with a different kind of pressure to Fulham.
However, the English defender has a winning mentality from his previous spell at Manchester City as a youngster. On top of that, he’s got a few familiar faces at Stamford Bridge to help him settle in.
He knows new Chelsea coach with Willy Caballero, the assistant under Maresca. Also, he’s played with Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling in the past.
Tosin has shared that he actually spoke over the phone with Blues attackers Palmer and Sterling before signing.
“I spent two or three years with Raz (Sterling) and Willy (Caballero), and I spent most of my youth journey with Cole (Palmer),’ Tosin told Chelsea’s official website.
“Before confirming the move, I gave Raz and Cole a call and they had nothing but positive things to say about the club and the project, and how excited they were that I was coming to the club.
“Cole is younger than me but I remember him from younger days alongside a few of the other boys that I’ve met along the way like Ben Chilwell – Chilly and I were both captains in the FA Youth Cup semi-finals. I also know Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja because he spent time at Fulham.”
What should Chelsea fans expect?
Tosin is going to bring strength, height and Premier League experience to Chelsea’s backline next season.
It’s a step up for the 6ft 5in central defender, but he’s impressed during 78 Premier League appearances in a Fulham shirt.
The Chelsea Chronicle expects Tosin to compete well alongside the likes of Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile for a starting defensive position. The club’s involvement in the UEFA Conference League should give Maresca the opportunity to rotate, too.
READ MORE: Tony Cascarino shares the major concern he has about Tosin Adarabioyo after watching him
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