West Ham United is reportedly eyeing a move for Chelsea’s central defender Tosin Adarabioyo in the upcoming January transfer window, as head coach Julen Lopetegui seeks to strengthen his squad amidst a challenging season, Nigeriasoccernet.com gathered.
The Hammers have struggled in the Premier League this season, winning only four of their first 14 matches, and the Spaniard’s future at the club could depend on their performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers this coming Monday.
According to sources: (Football London, Footmercato), West Ham’s management is actively looking to bolster their defense, with Adarabioyo identified as a potential loan target.
The 27-year-old defender, who joined Chelsea from Fulham in the summer, has faced difficulties in securing consistent first-team action at Stamford Bridge. Despite starting in nine matches and making two substitute appearances in all competitions, Adarabioyo has only accumulated 262 minutes of Premier League play so far.
West Ham’s interest in Adarabioyo comes amid an ongoing injury crisis for the Blues, with Wesley Fofana ruled out for the remainder of the year due to a hamstring injury. This could provide Adarabioyo with more opportunities at Chelsea, but reports suggest that West Ham might be able to convince the club to loan him out for more regular playing time in the second half of the season.
The transfer window could offer a fresh opportunity for Adarabioyo to establish himself as a key figure at another Premier League club, and the 27-year-old could provide West Ham with much-needed stability in defense. Should the move materialize, it would give the player a chance to prove himself, as well as help West Ham shore up their backline for the remainder of the campaign.
Oluwayemi Omolagba