Chelsea have brand new weapon for Enzo Maresca to unleash this season

Chelsea may have just given themselves a new weapon to deploy at both ends of the pitch ahead of Enzo Maresca’s first season in charge. The Blues have wasted little time in strengthening their ranks ahead of the new campaign, having spent around £74million on new players so far.

Omari Kellyman, Marc Guiu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Renato Veiga have all joined Chelsea in deals which have involved money changing hands. The only signing to arrive on a free transfer has been Tosin Adarabioyo, who moved across from Fulham after choosing not to extend his stay at Craven Cottage.

It seems he could be the most useful signing of the lot, given the qualities he will offer in both attack and defence. He made an average of 1.39 interceptions per game last season, proving he is more than capable of snuffing out danger, while making zero errors leading to shots on goal.

Tosin is also a strong ball carrier and regularly looks to drive into space before using his impressive range of passing to start attacks. However, his most useful asset for Chelsea will be his aerial prowess, which could help them improve in areas they have failed to impress in as of late.

Last season, the 26-year-old won an average of 3.2 aerial duels per game, an impressive figure when compared to Trevoh Chalobah’s total of 1.8. He also made a total of 47 headed clearances, which works out at an average of 2.3 for each of his 20 league appearances.

Tosin’s ability to win the majority of his aerial battles could help Chelsea to improve their attacking threat from set-pieces next season. They only managed 12 last time around, putting them 10th on the list of Premier League clubs with the likes of Luton Town, Everton and Newcastle all faring better.

It remains to be seen if Tosin will be able to establish himself as a regular starter in his debut season at Stamford Bridge. He struggled with injuries last season, missing a large chunk of the campaign with a groin injury before suffering another knock after the turn of the year.

Before that, he was a mainstay at the back for Fulham with 66 league appearances for the Cottagers in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons. Throughout his career, he has never picked up any suspensions for receiving five yellow cards, which suggests that discipline will not be a problem at Chelsea.

The former Manchester City man was close to joining Newcastle earlier this summer after reportedly agreeing terms on a move to St James’ Park. However, he eventually opted to sign for Chelsea on a long-term contract which will keep him on their books until the summer of 2028.