Spurs begin late talks to force through “world-class” signing, he’d be their own Rice
Tottenham Hotspur’s new manager, Thomas Frank, has enjoyed a dream start to life in the Premier League, securing two impressive victories from his first two matches.
Despite this perfect beginning, the Danish boss is not resting on his laurels. He knows all too well that the long and demanding season requires a deep and talented squad, especially with the added challenge of Champions League football on the horizon.
The club is actively working to strengthen the team before the summer transfer window slams shut, with a particular focus on adding more quality and depth to the midfield.
The early signs of Frank’s project are already exciting. The big-money signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham has already paid dividends, with the Ghanaian international providing two assists in the opening day win over Burnley.
He brings a directness and creativity that has instantly improved the team’s attack. Similarly, the acquisition of defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha has solidified the center of the park; he even scored a crucial goal in the stunning victory over Manchester City at the Etihad.
These signings show a clear and effective strategy, but the work is not yet complete.
The club’s search for midfield reinforcements has led them to consider several options. One primary target has been Leicester City’s talented young playmaker, Bilal El Khannouss.
It seemed for a while that he was destined for a move to Crystal Palace, but when that deal unexpectedly collapsed, it opened a door for Tottenham to make their move .
However, a new and intriguing name has now emerged as a serious possibility: Marseille’s experienced French international, Adrien Rabiot.
According to reports from France, Tottenham have entered into preliminary talks with the representatives of the 30-year-old midfielder .
Rabiot has been told he can leave Marseille following a dressing room dispute, making a transfer increasingly likely. The most appealing aspect of this potential deal is the rumored price tag.
It is suggested that Rabiot could be available for as little as €20 million (approximately £15 million), a figure that represents a potential bargain for a player of his caliber and experience. This has naturally attracted attention from other clubs, including AC Milan and Aston Villa, but Spurs are now firmly in the conversation.
For Tottenham supporters, this pursuit might bring back memories of when their North London rivals, Arsenal, broke their transfer record to sign Declan Rice in 2023.
As difficult as it is for Spurs fans to admit, Rice has been a transformative signing for Arsenal, providing a dominant, box-to-box presence that has elevated their entire team. What if Tottenham could find their own version of that player for a fraction of the cost? The data suggests that Adrien Rabiot could be exactly that.
A statistical comparison from the 2024/25 season reveals that Rabiot not only matches up to Rice but outperforms him in several key areas. The table below breaks down their contributions per 90 minutes, painting a picture of a complete and highly effective midfielder.
| Metric (per 90) | Adrien Rabiot | Declan Rice |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 29 | 35 |
| Goals & Assists | 13 | 11 |
| Pass Accuracy | 85% | 83% |
| Passes into Final Third | 5.3 | 4.3 |
| Progressive Passes | 6.2 | 6.1 |
| Tackles Won | 1.2 | 0.8 |
| Interceptions Made | 0.9 | 0.8 |
| Tackle Success Rate | 59% | 41% |
| Take-on Success Rate | 52% | 48% |
| Aerials Won | 1.2 | 1.1 |
As the data clearly shows, Rabiot offers a significant goal threat, contributing to more goals per game than his English counterpart.
He is also more accurate with his passing and more effective at progressing the ball into dangerous areas in the final third, which would be a huge benefit for attackers like Kudus.
Defensively, the numbers are even more compelling. Rabiot wins more tackles, makes more interceptions, and boasts a far superior tackle success rate, indicating a player who is both proactive and efficient in winning back possession.
This all-around profile makes him the epitome of a modern box-to-box midfielder. He has the engine to cover ground, the technical quality to influence the game in attack, and the defensive awareness to protect his back line.
Furthermore, he brings a wealth of experience at the highest level, including numerous appearances in the UEFA Champions League—invaluable for a Spurs team about to embark on that exact journey.
For a rumored fee of just £15 million, this potential signing moves from being a good idea to an absolute no-brainer. It is a low-risk, high-reward move that would provide Thomas Frank with a ready-made, elite-level midfielder to complete his engine room.
If he can adapt to the Premier League and replicate his form from France, Adrien Rabiot would not just be another new player; he would be Tottenham’s intelligent and cost-effective answer to Declan Rice.