Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo emerges as Benfica transfer target, reports say

Benfica are considering a move for Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo during the current summer transfer window, according to reports in Portugal.

Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha says Benfica see the 28-year-old as a potential addition to their defence because of manager Marco Silva’s detailed knowledge of the player.

Silva and Adarabioyo previously worked together at Fulham. The defender left the club in 2024 to join Chelsea on a free transfer.

Adarabioyo has made 70 appearances for Chelsea across his two years at Stamford Bridge, although he was an important first-choice player for Silva during their time together at Fulham.

Benfica are understood to view him as a possible replacement for Antonio Silva, who left the Portuguese club to join Bournemouth.

Chelsea signed Adarabioyo without paying a transfer fee, meaning the club could record a net profit if he is sold. That possibility comes as BlueCo, Chelsea’s ownership group, continues efforts to ensure the club complies with the financial regulations of the Premier League and UEFA.

Benfica are currently thought to be prepared to make an offer to take Adarabioyo on loan, with an option to buy him at the end of the season. Such an arrangement could provide Chelsea with an immediate loan fee while leaving open the possibility of a permanent sale before the end of June.

However, Chelsea’s preference would naturally be to complete a permanent transfer as soon as possible rather than allow the defender to leave temporarily.

Adarabioyo has featured in four of Chelsea’s five matches during their pre-season tour of Australia and Asia. His most recent appearance came against Johor Darul Ta’zim on Sunday, when he played the full match in a 3-3 draw.

He has played a total of 208 minutes during the tour.

Despite that involvement, Adarabioyo is believed to be no higher than fifth in Xabi Alonso’s defensive pecking order. His prospects of remaining at Chelsea have also been affected by Trevoh Chalobah’s departure for Como.

Adarabioyo could therefore be allowed to leave if Chelsea receive an offer that meets their financial expectations.

The defender’s previous relationship with Silva is central to Benfica’s reported interest. Silva knows Adarabioyo’s qualities from their time at Fulham and considers him a suitable candidate to strengthen a defence that has lost Antonio Silva.

For Chelsea, the decision will involve balancing the value of an immediate permanent sale with the possibility of using a loan agreement to generate short-term income and retain the option of a later transfer. No final agreement has been reported, but Benfica are expected to explore the possibility of bringing Adarabioyo to Portugal.