Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks with Chelsea over a late move for defender Tosin Adarabioyo as the summer transfer window approaches its Tuesday deadline.
The 28-year-old centre-back joined Chelsea on a free transfer last year but has seen his influence diminish under manager Xabi Alonso, having been excluded from the matchday squads for the club’s opening two Premier League fixtures.
Tottenham’s move comes as the club look to strengthen their defence following developments surrounding the future of Kevin Danso.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Spurs were working on a deal for Adarabioyo, with Chelsea having previously explored options for the defender, including offering him to Manchester United.
However, Manchester United manager Michael Carrick’s side decided not to pursue the move, leaving Tottenham with an opportunity to sign the centre-back.
The proposed move is also linked to uncertainty surrounding Danso, who has reportedly indicated his desire to leave Tottenham before the transfer deadline.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi recently confirmed that several players had expressed their desire to depart, including Danso, Richarlison and Pape Matar Sarr.
“Richarlison, I don’t know. He said too many times he wants to leave. Danso came to me two days ago and he said he wants to leave. Pape Sarr the same,” De Zerbi said.
The potential arrival of Adarabioyo would provide Tottenham with another defensive option as they seek to strengthen a squad that has endured a difficult start to the new campaign.
At Chelsea, the defender’s position has been affected by the club’s defensive reshuffle, including the recent £52m signing of French centre-back Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace.
Adarabioyo has made 70 appearances for Chelsea since arriving from Fulham, scoring seven goals, but the club is now prepared to sanction his departure.
With the transfer window closing on Tuesday evening, Tottenham are working to reach an agreement with Chelsea for the defender.
