– Unai Emery desperately hunts for stopper after Arsenal’s huge purchase
Aston Villa are looking for a replacement for Ezri Konsa – and have reportedly set their sights on Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo. The 28-year-old has been pushed out into the cold at Stamford Bridge and could be the solution for Unai Emery.
Villa on Wednesday struck a deal worth £51 million plus add-ons with Arsenal for their star stopper. Konsa travels to London for a medical test on Thursday, and Emery suddenly finds himself without one of his most important defenders.
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Now the search for a replacement is underway – and Tosin Adarabioyo is one of several names on the list.
Chelsea outcast on his way out
Tosin joined Chelsea from Fulham on a free transfer two summers ago and has been a solid contributor. But this summer, everything has changed.
He has been stripped of his shirt number – no. 4 was given to new signing Valentín Barco – and he has been given number 38 instead. In addition, he is now training separately from Xabi Alonso’s first-team squad.
Despite playing all the friendlies under Alonso, he was completely left out of the squad in the last clash against Real Sociedad. He had even worn the captain’s armband in several of the matches.
Now the door is open for a sale – and Villa is considering going in.
More stakeholders
Chelsea are willing to listen to bids for the 28-year-old, but Villa are not alone in their interest. Marseille, Benfica and Sevilla are also following the situation closely.
Tosin has experience in the Premier League, and although he has not been a regular fixture in the Chelsea team, he has proven solid when he has played. Last season, he recorded 8 games from the start and 8 substitutes in the league.
A leader in the locker room
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was very enthusiastic about Tosin, not only on the pitch, but also off it:
“Very impressed with him, the way he has behaved – both on and off the pitch. He is one of the leaders in the dressing room. We are very happy and satisfied with him.
In addition, Tosin is close friends with Cole Palmer – a detail that could come into play if he were to stay in London. But now it seems that his time at Chelsea is over.
What now for Villa?
With Konsa on his way to Arsenal, and with less than two weeks left in the transfer window, it is urgent for Unai Emery. Tosin Adarabioyo is a realistic option – but Villa will need to act quickly to secure his signature.
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