Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are in a battle to sign highly-rated Udinese centre-back Oumar Solet, according to reports TEAMtalk.
The 25-year-old came through the ranks of the French lower division Stade Lavallois, where he made his debut in the Championnat National against American side Concarneau on August 4, 2017.
His performances for Lavallois, but also for France U19, where he was a regular and played twelve games, earned him a move to Ligue 1 heavyweights Lyon in January 2018.
However, it was with RB Salzburg that Solet made his mark after joining the 17-time Austrian champions in July 2020.
He made 106 appearances for Die Roten Bullen, helping them win three consecutive Austrian Bundesliga titles (2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23) and the 2021/22 Austrian Cup trophy.
The centre-back has also maintained his reputation in Italy after joining Udinese on a free transfer last winter. He was an ever-present figure at the back, making 38 appearances, 19 of which came in all competitions for the Friulani.
Now, according to TEAMtalkChelsea and Tottenham will battle it out for Solet’s signature, with the London duo impressed by his performances after seeing him in action several times this season.
For Chelsea, the report adds that Enzo Maresca is keen to strengthen his backline, and Solet has been identified as a viable option to step in, amid injury concerns for Wesley Fofana and inconsistencies between other centre-backs.
Conflict
On the other hand, Tottenham’s coach Thomas Frank wants to add depth to his centre-backs, and the Frenchman is an attractive option, especially with Radu Dragusin tipped to leave the club, the report says.
However, the Blues and Spurs are not alone in the race for Solet’s signature TEAMtalk adds that Manchester United and West Ham United are also ‘in the mix’ for the 6ft tall colossus. At the same time, Crystal Palace have identified him as a possible option if Marc Guehi leaves the club.
Chelsea lack experience and leadership at the back, and adding a defender who can lead the backline and provide a commanding presence in the box would help save their defensive woes, and this is where Solet is needed.
He has shown exemplary leadership in Udinese’s defense and cuts an impressive figure at the back. He excels at ball distribution and build-up play, a trait that would prove vital to Graham Potter’s playing style.
However, with competition from Tottenham and other clubs, there is belief that Udinese could demand a fee well in excess of his £17 million. Transfer market appreciation for approving his departure.
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