Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Tottenham are now working on a double deal with Chelsea, with winger Myhaylo Mudryk now potentially joining on loan and Tosin Adarabioyo in making a permanent move to North London. Spurs are looking to add even more attacking depth and another centre-back ahead of Tuesday night's deadline, and Roberto De Zerbi is said to be a huge fan of Mydryk, who was recently in talks with Leeds United.
Fabrizio Romano posted on X: "Tottenham are working on double deal with Chelsea: Mykahylo Mudryk and Tosin Adarabioyo on loan to #THFC. Follows complications on Ndiaye deal as Spurs asked for Mudryk, one of Roberto De Zerbi’s favorite player. Negotiations ongoing." Romano has also added: "BREAKING: Mykhaylo Mudryk says yes to Tottenham move as he wants to work under Roberto De Zerbi again. Mudryk puts Leeds and all other options on hold as he wants Spurs. Discussions well underway with #CFC over loan deal. Tottenham are ready to buy Tosin on permanent deal from Chelsea if they can also get Mudryk loan deal done. Initial enquiry for Tosin loan but moving onto permanent deal after #THFC ask for Mudryk due to Ndiaye deal complications + only 1 loan allowed."
Mydryk spent 20 months on the sidelines after being charged with a doping offence, but he was recently cleared to play, hit with a time-served sentence after agreeing to admitting to the offence, but he maintains that he did not knowingly commit the offence.
Chelsea signed the Ukrainian winger for as much as £88.5million, but he had already been struggling for consistent form before the ban. Naturally, the Blues now want to get him back playing regularly, whether that's to get him back to good form or to get him in the shop window. But competition has increased significantly at Stamford Bridge this summer, and Mudryk is not going to be getting regular football under Xabi Alonso.
As for Adarabioyo, the centre-back played pretty regularly last season, amassing 22 Premier League appearances, but he has slipped down the pecking order heading into this season. Spurs have options at the back between Micky van de Ven and new signings Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi, but De Zerbi clearly feels as though he could do with more depth.
Having spent so much money this summer, well in excess of £300million, the Mudryk deal being a loan will suit Tottenham, and it will be wise not to commit to a fee to sign Mudryk permanently, given the uncertainty around his fitness and lack of game time over the best part of two years.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi celebrates win at Aston Villa
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi celebrates win at Aston Villa