TOSIN Adarabioyo said he joined Chelsea because it was a chance to go "full-circle".

Chelsea completed the signing of the Fulham defender on Friday morning, with the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a four year contract. He underwent a medical earlier this week and will officially move on July 1 when he becomes a free agent.

Adarabioyo was a leading target for Newcastle this summer and the Magpies were confident they were going to land the centre-half until Chelsea's late swoop.

Chelsea were said to have been attracted by the defender's technical ability in possession, while his height and physical attributes also appealed following the loss of the influential Thiago Silva, who has departed for Fluminense.

 

Adarabioyo told the club’s website: “Chelsea is a huge club and this is a full-circle moment for me. I was born three miles away from Stamford Bridge and made my professional debut there.

“I’m very excited and looking forward to helping push the club in the direction we want to go.”

Adarabioyo, who came through the Manchester City academy but made only eight first-team appearances, played 132 times for Fulham across a four-year spell including 78 games in the Premier League.

READ MORE:

Before joining the club he spent time on loan in the Championship at West Brom and Blackburn.

Co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart said: “We are delighted to bring Tosin to Chelsea.

“Throughout his career, he has showcased his maturity and defensive qualities and has gained a wealth of experience in the Premier League in recent seasons.”

He is the club’s first signing since Enzo Maresca was confirmed as manager on a five-year deal earlier this week, replacing Mauricio Pochettino who left by mutual consent following the end of the league season.

Newcastle look set to bolster their defence with the capture of Lloyd Kelly, whose Bournemouth exit was confirmed when the Cherries released their retained list earlier this week.