Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly working on a late transfer window move for Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Spurs are exploring a deal for the centre-back as the deadline approaches on Tuesday.
This news comes as Tottenham sit bottom of the Premier League after two matches, having lost both games without scoring a goal. They are already six points behind early leaders Manchester City. The club's defensive issues are clear, with five goals conceded in those opening fixtures. A look at the standings shows the scale of the challenge facing the team.
The reported interest in Tosin Adarabioyo follows news that Sunderland are in talks to sign Kevin Danso. Romano suggests Adarabioyo would be a potential replacement for the 28-year-old Austrian defender. Tottenham's need for defensive reinforcement is urgent. Their -5 goal difference is the worst in the league, and the squad is currently without several key attacking players due to injury, including Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, Xavi Simons, and James Maddison. Fans can track the latest availability on our injuries page.
Adding a player like Adarabioyo could provide much-needed stability at the back. The 29-year-old has Premier League experience from his time with Fulham before joining Chelsea. His potential arrival would be part of a broader effort to fix a leaky defence that has undermined the team's start to the 2026/27 campaign.
The Mirror's live blog on Monday, August 31, detailed a frantic final 48 hours of the summer window. While Liverpool completed a major signing for Bradley Barcola and Manchester City finalised a move for Enzo Fernandez, Tottenham's activity has been quieter until this late link. The club's focus appears to be on addressing clear weaknesses rather than making a headline-grabbing splash.
Other clubs are also busy. Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus is undergoing a medical ahead of a move to Barcelona, while Newcastle United are working on a deal for Matias Fernandez-Pardo. Tottenham's pursuit of Adarabioyo fits the pattern of clubs seeking last-minute solutions before the deadline shuts.
Tottenham's next match is away to Nottingham Forest on September 5. Forest are 15th in the table, presenting a critical opportunity for Spurs to get their first points of the season. Integrating a new defender quickly would be a priority if a deal is completed. The current squad data shows a team in need of a turnaround, and any new signing would be expected to contribute immediately.
Adarabioyo's profile as a physically strong, aerially dominant centre-back could help organise a defence that has looked vulnerable. His arrival would provide competition for places and could allow for a tactical reshuffle. Managerial plans will likely be tested in the coming days, with the squad page set for a potential update.
The immediate focus is on concluding any transfer business before the Tuesday night deadline. After that, attention must shift to preparing for the trip to the City Ground. With a squad depleted by injury and low on confidence, securing a positive result against Forest is essential to stop the poor start from defining the season. The club's hierarchy will hope a late defensive addition can provide a foundation for improvement.
