Chelsea have reportedly joined Tottenham in the race to sign Bournemouth defender Adam Smith.
Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen in action with Bournemouth’s Adam Smith
According to The Sun, Chelsea have joined Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Bournemouth right back Adam Smith this summer.
Smith, 26, came up through the ranks with Tottenham, but left the club in 2014 after making only two first-team appearances for Spurs, and having been loaned out seven times.
Smith moved on to Bournemouth, and he has flourished on the South Coast, helping the Cherries win promotion to the Premier League before also helping Eddie Howe’s men achieve top flight survival two years in a row.
With one goal and five assists this season, Smith has been an important player for Bournemouth, and his performances are now attracting interest.
Bournemouth’s Adam Smith in action with Everton’s Bryan Oviedo
The Sun report that not only are Tottenham interested in bringing Smith back to White Hart Lane should Kyle Walker leave the club for Manchester City this summer, but London rivals Chelsea are also keen.
It’s claimed that not only did Chelsea scout him against Stoke City last weekend, but they also plan to have him watched when Bournemouth host Burnley this weekend.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
In Antonio Conte’s 3-4-2-1 system, Victor Moses has carved out a role as the right wing back, but with Cesar Azpilicueta playing in the back three, another right-sided defender could be targeted this summer – and Smith fits the bill.
His emotional pull to Tottenham could be a huge factor should both clubs make moves this summer, but with Chelsea possibly set to be crowned as Premier League champions today, turning down the title-winners could be hard for Smith.
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