‘Once I knew’ - Newcastle United transfer snub as Chelsea win race for defender

Tosin Adarabioyo has revealed his mind was made as soon as Chelsea became interested earlier this summer.

Newcastle United appeared in pole position to sign the 26-year-old, who left Fulham on a free transfer in June. Toon chiefs remain keen on a right-sided centre-back ahead of the Premier League season to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad.

Adarabioyo’s arrival would have coincided with Lloyd Kelly’s - who also joined once his Bournemouth contract expired. However, the former Manchester City academy product joined Chelsea and will earn a reported £100,000 per week.

The defender was grilled about choosing the Blues over Newcastle - insisting the decision was easy. Adarabioyo told the BBC: “You're better off asking my agent about that. Once I knew Chelsea were interested, I was fully focused on that. 

“When it came down to it, to hear the project that's going on here, it's amazing. It’s an amazing project, an amazing club, so for me it was a no-brainer."

Newcastle are still pushing for a major breakthrough in the transfer market. Various sources claim Malick Thiaw is top of the shopping list, although the AC Milan star’s agent downplayed a deal being close on Monday. 

Emil Krafth partnered Dan Burn at the heart of Newcastle’s backline in the opening two pre-season games. Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman are recovering from ACL injuries while Fabian Schar has just resumed full training following Euro 2024.

Interest in Michael Olise earlier in the window also suggests the Magpies want to sign a right-winger. As it stands, Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy are the first-team options on Tyneside.