Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea fans got all the confirmation they needed over the weekend, as Tosin Adarabioyo seems to be heading for the exits.
Tosin Adarabioyo’s time at Stamford Bridge looks to be winding down fast. Chelsea have made it clear he is allowed to seek a move elsewhere this summer as they streamline their defensive options.
Rumours picked up serious momentum after Adarabioyo was missing from first-team training alongside fellow exit candidate Liam Delap.
Now, his complete omission from Chelsea’s matchday squad to face Real Sociedad is the clearest signal yet, with Benfica pushing to secure Adarabioyo’s signature.
And there was even one more clue.
Valentin Barco handed Tosin Adarabioyo’s shirt number
Ahead of the friendly with Real Sociedad, eagle-eyed Chelsea fans spotted that Valentin Barco was set to wear the number four shirt, as his shirt was pictured alongside Enzo Fernandez’s.
Chelsea v Real Sociedad - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Tosin Adarabioyo typically wears the number four shirt at Stamford Bridge, but his sudden omission from the squad speaks volumes.
And when you add in the fact that he was already sitting out training, all the signs point to an impending exit.
Even with Adarabioyo missing, the Blues still had Wesley Fofana, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill, Josh Acheampong and Jorrel Hato, who can all play at centre-back.
Tosin Adarabioyo looks set for a Serie A move
Just before the game, journalist Nico Schira offered an update on Trevoh Chalobah’s transfer situation.
Tosin Adarabioyo is not in Xabi Alonso’s plans and is ready to leave Chelsea. He has been offered to two Serie A clubs in the last few days by an intermediary, but his salary (£5.1m/year) is too high.