Super Eagles watch: Cesc Fabregas’ Como shortlist Nigeria target rejected by Crystal Palace

Italian Serie A club Como 1907 have added Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo to their list of possible signings as they prepare for their first UEFA Champions League campaign under head coach Cesc Fabregas, Soccernet.ng reports.

According to Italian transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà, the 28-year-old Super Eagles-eligible centre-back is one of the defenders being considered to strengthen Como's defence this summer. While Tosin is not Fabregas' first-choice target, the former Fulham defender is seen as a realistic option because Chelsea are willing to listen to offers.

No official bid has been made yet, but Como are closely monitoring the situation. The Italian club are also pursuing Tosin's Chelsea teammate Trevoh Chalobah after seeing an opening offer of €25 million rejected. Chelsea are demanding more than €30 million for Chalobah, meaning Tosin could become Como's preferred option if those talks fail.

Chelsea are expected to trim their squad before the 2026/27 season under new manager Xabi Alonso. Tosin, who joined the Blues on a free transfer from Fulham and has a contract until June 2028, could be sold because any transfer fee would count as pure profit for the Premier League club.

Crystal Palace close the door as Como opportunity grows

Tosin's chances of joining Crystal Palace have already ended after the South London club rejected Chelsea's proposal involving several defenders.

Reports say Chelsea tried to include one of Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi and Trevoh Chalobah in a player-plus-cash deal for French defender Maxence Lacroix. However, new Palace manager Pierre Sage and the club's hierarchy turned down the idea.

Instead, Palace want a straight cash deal for Lacroix, who is valued at more than €60 million, while they have also identified Charlie Cresswell as another defensive target. TEAMtalk also reported that Palace had no interest in signing Tosin, Disasi, Badiashile or Chalobah after they were offered by intermediaries.

That decision has reduced Tosin's options in England and could improve Como's chances of signing the former Fulham star who remains a defensive option for Nigeria. The ambitious Italian club, backed by wealthy American investors, are planning another busy transfer window after finishing fourth in Serie A with 71 points from 20 wins, 11 draws and seven defeats. Fabregas guided Como to a historic Champions League qualification, and strengthening his defence is now one of the club's main priorities ahead of the new season.