Arsenal reportedly eye London-based star that Guardiola raved about in 2016

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Arsenal are reportedly battling Newcastle United in the race to sign Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo this summer with the Cottagers relegated to the Championship – and Pep Guardiola’s verdict from 2016 will excite Toon and Gunners supporters.

Adarabioyo, 23, only joined Fulham for around £2million on a permanent basis from Manchester City last summer, having impressed at Blackburn Rovers in the Championship during 2019-20. He has since played 32 times for Fulham this term.

The Athletic claim that both Arsenal and Newcastle are keen on the England Under-19 star, who only ever played eight times at senior level for Manchester City. It is somewhat surprising that Arsenal are keen, given Joachim Andersen impressed more so.

But Adarabioyo is likely to be on the move especially given how cheap he was signed for by Fulham last summer. Speaking about him in 2016 while still at City, Guardiola gave his verdict on the defender – a verdict that certainly entice supporters.

“He is fast, strong in the air, and has the quality to look forward. He has a future in the first team. His mind is open, he listens, he trains like it’s the last training of his life. I like to work with these kinds of players,” Guardiola told Fox Sports five years ago.

TBR’s view – Adarabioyo is not a good signing for Arsenal

While he is a decent player, he is no improvement in what Arsenal have got. Yes, they are losing David Luiz, but they still have Rob Holding, Pablo Mari and Gabriel – but surely Adarabioyo is no better than that aforementioned trio.

He is a Premier League defender, he has plenty of qualities but in an Arsenal side that would not even be able to offer game time in European football – Adarabioyo would be firmly fourth choice. Arsenal would not suit the English ace.