Spurs Could Replace Bissouma with £21m Italian Star Compared to Rice

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly eyeing Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli as a potential upgrade in their midfield. The 23-year-old Italian, valued at £21 million, could be brought in to replace Yves Bissouma, who has struggled for consistency this season.

Fagioli has found regular playing time hard to come by at Juventus this season, featuring in just 18 matches across all competitions for a total of 758 minutes. However, the young midfielder has shown flashes of his potential and has drawn statistical comparisons to Arsenal star Declan Rice.

According to data from FBref, Fagioli outperforms both Rice and Bissouma in several key midfield metrics:

• Progressive passes per 90: Fagioli (6.45), Rice (6.69), Bissouma (6.09)
• Passes into final third per 90: Fagioli (5.81), Rice (4.51), Bissouma (4.78)
• Ball recoveries per 90: Fagioli (5.32), Rice (5.19), Bissouma (5.11)

While Fagioli has had some off-field issues, including a suspension for gambling, he has shown resilience by bouncing back to make Italy’s Euro 2024 squad. His signing could provide Tottenham with a younger, more dynamic option in midfield as manager Ange Postecoglou looks to strengthen his squad.

If Spurs can secure Fagioli’s signature, it could spell the end of Bissouma’s time at the club, with the Malian midfielder failing to lock down a consistent starting role since his £25 million move from Brighton in 2022.