Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo on a permanent transfer, with the defender set to undergo a medical after agreeing personal terms with the north London club.
The late move comes as Tottenham reshape their defence on the eve of the Premier League transfer deadline, with Kevin Danso also closing in on a move away from the club.
Tottenham Reach Agreement for Adarabioyo
Adarabioyo, 28, has been granted permission to complete his medical after Tottenham and Chelsea reached an agreement over his transfer. The deal is expected to be completed before Tuesday’s deadline, although the formalities still need to be concluded.
The defender joined Chelsea from Fulham in 2024 on a free transfer and has made 70 appearances for the club in all competitions. His opportunities have become more limited as Chelsea have continued to build a large group of central defenders.
He was also left out of Chelsea’s matchday squads for their opening Premier League fixtures this season, further indicating that his position in the squad had changed.
Danso Exit Opens Door for Spurs Move
Tottenham’s decision to pursue Adarabioyo is closely connected to Danso’s situation. The Austria international has indicated that he wants to leave Spurs, with Sunderland having reached an agreement in principle to sign him.
Danso’s proposed move is dependent on Tottenham securing a replacement, making the agreement for Adarabioyo particularly significant as the transfer window enters its final hours.
The timing leaves Tottenham with little room for delay. The Premier League’s summer transfer window closes at 11pm BST on Tuesday, September 1.
Adarabioyo Returns to a Familiar Part of London
The transfer would see Adarabioyo remain in west London and north London after spending the early part of his professional career with Manchester City before establishing himself at Fulham.
He developed into a regular Premier League defender during his time at Fulham and eventually earned a move to Chelsea, where he added further top-level experience to his game.
His arrival would give Tottenham another experienced option at centre-back as Roberto De Zerbi continues to reshape his squad.
Tottenham have already added Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi to their defensive options this summer, while Cristian Romero has left the club. Adarabioyo would provide further depth and Premier League experience ahead of a demanding campaign.
What Adarabioyo Could Bring to Tottenham
Adarabioyo’s strength, aerial ability and experience in the Premier League make him a natural fit for a Tottenham side seeking greater depth in central defence.
His career has also given him extensive experience in different defensive systems. At Fulham, he became accustomed to playing regularly in the Premier League, while his time at Chelsea exposed him to the demands of competing for places within a much larger squad.
For Tottenham, the immediate priority is ensuring the defence remains adequately covered if Danso completes his move to Sunderland. Adarabioyo’s familiarity with the league could allow him to settle more quickly than a player arriving from another competition.
Transfer Could Be Completed Before Deadline
Tottenham’s agreement with Chelsea represents one of the latest significant moves of the summer window, with the club still working through several pieces of transfer business.
Adarabioyo’s medical is the next important step before the move can be formally completed. If that process is successful, the former Fulham defender will become the latest addition to De Zerbi’s Tottenham squad.
For Chelsea, the transfer would allow the club to reduce an increasingly crowded centre-back group. For Tottenham, it provides an experienced replacement as Danso prepares to leave, bringing the two London rivals together in a rare senior transfer between the clubs.
With the deadline approaching, Tottenham now have little time to complete the remaining formalities and confirm Adarabioyo as their latest defensive recruit.