Tottenham Reaches Agreement To Sign Tosin Adarabioyo From Chelsea

Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo as head coach Roberto De Zerbi looks to fill the gap that will be left by Kevin Danso.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein, reports that Tottenham have agreed a deal for the 28-year-old defender, who is expected to remain in London but switch clubs before the transfer deadline on Tuesday night.

The move has been prompted by Kevin Danso’s decision to leave Tottenham and join Sunderland who are now in advanced talks to sign him.

The Austria international told De Zerbi that he wanted a transfer after losing his place in the team’s defensive plans.

Sunderland initially wanted to take Danso on loan for the season, but Tottenham rejected that proposal.

The Championship side then returned with an offer for a permanent transfer, and negotiations are progressing.

Tottenham were reluctant to approve Danso’s departure without first finding a suitable replacement.

Tosin Adarabioyo has now emerged as the player who fits De Zerbi’s requirements.

The Spurs manager is understood to have wanted a centre-back who knows the Premier League and is comfortable playing with the ball.

Adarabioyo fits that description. The 6ft 5in defender is confident in possession and capable of helping start attacks from defence, qualities that suit De Zerbi’s possession-based style.

Adarabioyo joined Chelsea on a free transfer from Fulham in 2024 after making more than 130 appearances for the west London club.

He has significant Premier League experience but has not featured this season after falling behind other defenders in Chelsea’s squad.

De Zerbi has been interested in Adarabioyo for several years. He reportedly considered signing the defender during his time at Brighton and later while managing French club Marseille.

His interest in the player therefore predates his appointment at Tottenham.

A move from Chelsea to Tottenham would also be notable because the two clubs rarely complete direct transfers.

Carlo Cudicini was the last senior player to move between them, joining Tottenham on a free transfer in January 2009.

If the deal is completed, Adarabioyo will become part of a revamped Tottenham defence that includes Micky van de Ven, Jan-Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi.

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