Spurs in talks to sign £17m star after Muani, he’d be their best D-day deal since Deki
As the final hours of the summer transfer window tick away, the atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur is anything but quiet. The club has already enjoyed a productive period, making significant moves to strengthen the squad for the challenges ahead.
However, with key creative forces James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski facing long-term spells on the sidelines, the need for additional quality remains urgent.
While the exciting signing of Xavi Simons and the potential arrival of striker Randal Kolo-Muani address the attack, manager Thomas Frank is also looking to add intelligence and composure to his defensive line.
In a move that has caught the attention of many, Tottenham have now opened talks with Inter Milan over a potential deal for experienced French defender Benjamin Pavard.
The 29-year-old World Cup winner is a player of immense pedigree, known for his tactical intelligence and versatility. According to reports, Spurs have made initial contact with the Italian club, who would be willing to part with the player for a fee in the region of €20 million, or roughly £17 million.
While other clubs like Manchester United and Marseille have shown interest, it is Tottenham who have taken the first concrete step.
This potential signing makes a great deal of sense for several reasons. First and foremost is Pavard’s incredible versatility. He is a truly accomplished defender who can perform at an elite level both as a right-back and as a central defender.
This flexibility is a manager’s dream, especially during a long season where injuries and suspensions are inevitable. He would provide immediate cover and competition across the entire right side of the defense.
But Pavard is far more than just a versatile defender; he is a modern, ball-playing center-back who would fundamentally improve how Tottenham build their attacks from the back.
His passing statistics are not just good; they are exceptional. When you look at his numbers compared to other defenders in Europe’s top leagues, he ranks among the very best.
He sits in the top 18% for pass completion, the top 16% for progressive passes, and an impressive top 16% for successful through balls per game.
This means he doesn’t just pass the ball sideways or backwards. He consistently looks to break the lines with incisive forward passes that jumpstart the attack, moving the team 10 meters closer to the opponent’s goal or delivering the ball directly into the penalty area.
This ability to transition defense into attack with a single pass is a priceless commodity in the modern game.
This is why a manager like Thomas Tuchel, who worked with him at Bayern Munich, once praised his “underrated” qualities, especially for teams that have ambitions to challenge for the biggest trophies.
For a fee of just £17 million, securing a player with Pavard’s winning mentality, experience, and technical quality could arguably be Tottenham’s smartest piece of deadline day business since they brought Dejan Kulusevski to North London in January 2022.
While Kulusevski’s impact was immediately felt in the final third with his goals and creativity, Pavard’s influence would be more foundational, solidifying the entire defensive structure while simultaneously adding a new creative dimension from deep.
His arrival would mean that Tottenham’s playmaking wouldn’t solely rely on its attacking midfielders; it would begin with a precise pass from the heart of the defense.
| Stat (per game) | Benjamin Pavard (Serie A 24/25) |
|---|---|
| Pass Completion | Top 18% in Europe |
| Progressive Passes | Top 16% in Europe |
| Successful Through Balls | Top 16% in Europe |
Bringing in a proven winner like Benjamin Pavard would send a powerful message. It’s a move that prioritizes intelligence, experience, and proven quality over flashy expense.
For a team looking to build a balanced and resilient squad capable of competing on all fronts, this kind of shrewd, calculated signing could prove to be an absolute masterstroke.