Spurs make move to sign “one of the best playmakers in Europe”, he’s a lot like Dembele
The summer transfer window has presented both opportunities and challenges for Tottenham Hotspur as Thomas Frank settles into his new role at the club.
While results on the pitch have been encouraging—including an impressive victory against Manchester City—the off-field situation has proven more complicated as the club navigates the complexities of the transfer market.
The need for reinforcements became increasingly urgent following James Maddison’s unfortunate injury, which will keep him sidelined for an extended period.
This setback forced Tottenham to accelerate their search for creative alternatives, though their initial attempts to secure Morgan Gibbs-White and later Eberechi Eze ultimately proved unsuccessful.
These disappointments have required the club to explore other options as the window approaches its conclusion.
Nico Paz vs. Mousa Dembélé: Statistical Comparison
| Metric (Per Game) | Nico Paz (2024/25) | Mousa Dembélé (2015/16) |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 3.1 | 0.8 |
| Key Passes | 1.5 | 1.0 |
| Successful Dribbles | 2.0 | 2.9 |
| Fouls Suffered | 0.9 | 1.1 |
| Tackles | 1.5 | 3.6 |
Tottenham’s current focus appears centered on two primary targets: Manchester City’s Savinho and Como’s Nico Paz. The pursuit of Savinho represents ambitious business, with reports suggesting Tottenham are preparing a club-record offer for the Brazilian winger.
His potential acquisition would add genuine quality to Tottenham’s attacking options and demonstrate the club’s willingness to invest significantly in players who fit Frank’s system.
The interest in Nico Paz presents an intriguing alternative. The Argentine midfielder has developed impressively under Cesc Fàbregas’ guidance at Como, attracting attention from several top clubs.
Tottenham’s reported £60 million offer indicates serious interest, though complications exist Como’s reluctance to sell, Paz’s own preference to continue his development in Italy, and Real Madrid’s option to match any offer for their former academy product.
The comparison between Paz and former Tottenham favorite Mousa Dembélé offers fascinating insight into the Argentine’s playing style.
While their statistical profiles show differences particularly in defensive contributions where Dembélé excelled Paz demonstrates similar ability to influence games through his dribbling, ball progression, and all-around midfield play.
His performance data from last season, including ranking in the top 2% of midfielders for progressive carries, suggests he could bring a dynamic presence to Tottenham’s midfield.
Paz’s potential arrival would address several needs within Tottenham’s squad. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively would provide valuable flexibility, while his technical quality and vision could help compensate for Maddison’s creative absence.
At 22 years old, he also represents long-term value with potential for further development under Frank’s guidance.
The pursuit of these targets demonstrates Tottenham’s strategic approach to this transfer window. Rather than reacting impulsively to setbacks, the club has identified specific profiles that fit their system and philosophy.
This methodical approach suggests confidence in their recruitment process, even when faced with competition or rejection from initial targets.
The coming days will prove crucial in determining how Tottenham conclude their summer business. Successfully securing either Savinho or Paz would represent significant achievements that could substantially strengthen Frank’s options.
However, the challenges involved—from negotiating with reluctant clubs to convincing players to choose Tottenham over other options—should not be underestimated.
What remains clear is that Tottenham are operating with clear purpose and ambition in the market. Their willingness to pursue high-quality targets despite earlier disappointments shows resilience and determination to build a competitive squad.
How these efforts conclude will significantly influence their prospects for the season ahead and their ability to build on the positive start under their new manager.
The situation also highlights the interconnected nature of modern football transfers, where one club’s disappointment can create opportunities elsewhere, and player development pathways can lead from academy football to big-money moves in relatively short timeframes.
For Tottenham, navigating this complex landscape requires both strategic vision and pragmatic flexibility as they work to strengthen their squad before the window closes.