According to reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham Hotspur are working on a deal to sign Chelsea centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo as they seek a potential replacement for Kevin Danso before the transfer deadline.
Danso has been linked with a late move from the north London giants. Sunderland recently failed with a loan proposal for the Austrian defender, but they have reopened talks regarding a permanent deal for the former Lens man, according to BBC Sport.
Hence, there is a possibility that Danso could head for the exit door and Spurs have now identified Adarabioyo as a possible successor. Romano claims that the possibility has been discussed among the hierarchy in case Danso were to leave.
Premier League experience
Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi has placed particular emphasis on signing players with Premier League experience. Spurs have recruited Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi to bolster their backline, all of whom have vast experience in the English top-flight.
The same has been the case for midfield and attacking acquisitions, and the transfer strategy may not change for a new centre-back to replace Danso before Tuesday’s 11pm deadline. Adarabioyo has been in-and-out of the starting plans at Chelsea since his free transfer from local rivals Fulham, but the Englishman is a reliable centre-back, who could be prepared to accept a reduced starting role.
At Chelsea, he is no longer an assured starter with manager Xabi Alonso preferring Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana and new signing Maxence Lacroix as the back three. Aside from the trio, Blues graduate Josh Acheampong is likewise ahead of him in the pecking order.
Adarabioyo would face a similar situation at Spurs with Van Hecke and Micky van de Ven being the preferred centre-backs, but he would be the immediate back-up for the right central defensive position if Van Hecke needs to be rested or does not feature due to injury.
Last year, the 28-year-old was valued at around £30 million, as per Caught Offside. With him being surplus to requirements at Chelsea, Adarabioyo could be prised away for £20-25m, a fee which Spurs could recoup from Danso’s sale to Sunderland or any other club.
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