Report: Spurs have joined the race to sign Serie A defender | OneFootball

Spurs seek defensive depth in January

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a winter move for Udinese centre back Oumar Solet, as first reported by Caught Offside. The logic is straightforward and quietly revealing. Spurs want fresh competition for the established pairing of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, while speculation around a possible Radu Dragusin exit has sharpened the need for depth.

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Solet has carved out a reputation in Serie A for consistency, physical authority and an ability to survive high tempo games. His performances for Udinese suggest a defender comfortable defending space, winning aerial duels and recovering quickly in transition. Those traits feel particularly relevant for a Spurs side that wants to hold a high line without sacrificing security.

Premier League interest intensifies

Interest in England goes beyond Tottenham Hotspur. Sources close to the situation have informed Caught Offside that Chelsea and Crystal Palace have watched him live, while Manchester United and West Ham United are tracking him as a longer term option.

In Italy, Inter Milan, AC Milan and AS Roma have delivered positive reports, highlighting reliability in transition and dominance in the air. That breadth of interest reflects a defender whose profile travels well across systems.

Loan option suits winter market

On the financial side, Udinese aim to keep strong leverage in January, so an initial asking price in the mid to high range with bonuses is expected. A loan with an option to buy is on the table, given winter dynamics and competition, with Premier League clubs likely to propose instalments and performance related add ons to fit Financial Sustainability rules. Wage structure and non homegrown quotas will also weigh on decisions.

For the 25 year old, the appeal is obvious. Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United represent a higher competitive level and the chance to test himself against elite attacking players week after week.

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There has been a long running concern that Spur’s defensive unit looks one injury away from real stress, particularly given how aggressively the team defends space. Adding a centre back who is comfortable in transition and strong in the air makes sense, especially if the structure allows him to grow without immediate pressure to start every week.

Solet reads as a smart profile fit rather than a statement signing. He has Serie A experience, has been watched by multiple top clubs and would arrive hungry rather than entitled. That matters. Spurs have learned that depth signings need to buy into the collective idea, not merely wait for opportunities.

A loan with an option to buy would feel ideal. It limits risk, respects January realities and gives the coaching staff time to judge whether he adapts to the Premier League tempo. Supporters would also see this as evidence of a club thinking two steps ahead, preparing for possible exits while strengthening competition internally.

There is also a wider point here. Spurs have often been accused of standing still while rivals stockpile options. Moving early for a defender before a crisis hits would represent a welcome shift. This feels like sensible squad management rather than reactive panic, and that alone will resonate positively with fans watching the margins tighten across the league.