Manchester United have suffered a major setback ahead of the 2024 summer transfer window with Chelsea set to sign Tosin Adarabioyo.
Man United were heavily linked with Adarabioyo, but Chelsea appear to have won the race to secure his signature.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are in the final stages of negotiations to sign the Fulham centre-back.
Newcastle United were also interested in acquiring his services but the Blues are the clear favourites to win this three-way transfer battle.
Adarabioyo did not renew his contract with Fulham and will leave as a free agent.
A bitter pill for Man United to swallow
United are looking to plug the gap left by the departure of veteran centre-back Raphael Varane.
Jonny Evans’ one-year deal will expire this month, while here are also major concerns over the futures of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire.
The Red Devils must find quality replacements to fortify their defence. They were pondering a move for Adarabioyo, but Chelsea are poised to win the race.
The former England youth international would have been a major coup for United considering his free-agent status.
Securing his arrival at Old Trafford without a hefty transfer fee could have been a strategic masterstroke.
It is a surprise United did not put their decisive foot forward to sign the defender.
He earns £40,000-per-week at Fulham, and the Red Devils could have easily doubled that.
A decent signing-on fee and a chance to play in the Europa League could have helped them surpass Chelsea and Newcastle.
United’s setback early on serves as a rallying call for swift action to secure the signatures of their remaining transfer targets.
Gleison Bremer, Trevoh Chalobah and Dayot Upamecano are among the alternatives considered by the Premier League giants.
Jules Kounde could also be a target to boost their defence if United exploit Barcelona’s financial woes.
Stats from Capology.com.
