Tottenham stung by £38m Chelsea deal as Postecoglou target ‘nears’ Monaco move

Tottenham have been stung by Chelsea’s £38million deal for Monaco defender Axel Disasi as new boss Ange Postecoglou attempts to build a squad that can compete in the Premier League this season. Spurs are desperate to bolster their defensive ranks after conceding 63 top-flight goals last time around but look set to miss out on signing centre-back target Tosin Adarabioyo, who is said to be nearing a move to from Fulham to Monaco to replace Disasi.

Tottenham endured a miserable campaign last season as their form nosedived after Christmas. Antonio Conte’s tenure came to an end in March, with his interim replacement Cristian Stellini lasting less than a month before being given his marching orders.

And the temporary appointment of ex-midfielder Ryan Mason at the end of the campaign couldn’t turn the side’s fortunes around either as the Lilywhites finished eighth in the Premier League table.

Tottenham will be hoping to move on from their disappointing campaign after bringing in Postecoglou from Celtic. But the Australian will need to bolster his squad to have any chance of enjoying a successful season.

Spurs have reportedly made an offer to sign Adarabioyo, who featured 25 times in the Premier League last season. But, according to Foot Mercato, Monaco and Fulham are now close to an agreement. Last week the publication revealed that Adarabioyo favoured a move to Monaco and was seduced and excited by the club’s project. So the 25-year-old Englishman, who came through the Manchester City academy, looks set to turn his back on the Premier League.

Tottenham may lay some of the blame for missing out on Adarabioyo at Chelsea’s door as Monaco have been forced to bring in a new centre-back due to Disasi’s impending departure. According to The Guardian, Disasi is due to discuss personal terms with the Blues before completing a move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s co-sporting director Laurence Stewart used to work for Monaco and knows Disasi well. And the 25-year-old centre-back could make a big impact in west London after racking-up 49 appearances for Monaco last time around and representing France at last year’s World Cup.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is overseeing a squad overhaul at Stamford Bridge this summer and will bring in Disasi despite saying his squad was too big. “We cannot have a massive squad, players not involved, then it’s going to create a mess,” the Argentine explained during the Blues’ pre-season tour of the USA. “Maybe less is more and more is less. That is why I need to make clear – we don’t need a big squad.”