Tottenham ‘can land perfect Bissouma upgrade’ after Arsenal approach
Yves Bissouma is likely to leave Tottenham this summer, and the Lilywhites may now have the perfect upgrade in mind.
Bissouma saw his importance to Tottenham wane in a difficult campaign last season, and could now leave with one year left on his deal.
Tottenham need legs in midfield, and an enforcer who can control the game would prove particularly useful.
Thomas Frank now seemingly has his eye on a former Premier League star, who could be available for a bargain price.
Tottenham interested in Joao Palhinha
Former Fulham star Joao Palhinha had established himself as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders before moving to Bayern Munich last year.
However, the Portugal international has struggled for game time since, and could now be allowed to leave this summer.
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Yves Bissouma | 289 | 15 | 5 |
CF Bayern Insider (19 July) have now reported that Palhinha could be available for just under £26million, and that Tottenham are interested.
It is also claimed that Arsenal enquired about the 30-year-old before signing former Brentford captain Christian Norgaard, whom Frank was also keen on.
This could open the door for Spurs to have a clear run at Palhinha, and he could be a superb addition.
Palhinha could be ideal for Spurs
Despite his age, Palhinha could be exactly what Spurs need in midfield to replace Bissouma, as the rest of their options are young and inexperienced.
Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Pape Matar Sarr are promising talents, but Palhinha would come in as a proven player to make an immediate impact, and all three could benefit from training and playing alongside him.
The Bayern outcast would add toughness and defensive steel to the midfield, as well as intelligence and experience, and he could provide the perfect platform to allow the likes of James Maddison and potentially Morgan Gibbs-White to push further forward.
The rumoured fee would be a bargain for someone of Palhinha’s stature, but wages may prove to be a stumbling block.
However, if Spurs can sell Bissouma and sign Palhinha, they will be significantly upgrading their midfield options at a relatively low cost.
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