At a glance:
- Tottenham want Nicolo Fagioli
- Fabio Paratici unwilling to sell Fiorentina midfielder
- Andrea Pirlo talked up comparisons with himself
Nicolo Fagioli has quickly become a reliable midfielder and it’s safe to say Tottenham could do with a player like him.
Roberto De Zerbi will look to reinforce his options in the centre of the park in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Tottenham have numbers in midfield, but a lot of them have the same skill set, which has clearly been a problem this season.
Reports from Italy confirm that Fagioli is a target for the North London side.
However, a familiar face in Fabio Paratici could prove to be Tottenham’s villain in this particular transfer saga.
Tottenham haunted by Fabio Paratici in Fagioli race
Corriere dello Sport from Italy confirm that Tottenham are among the clubs interested in signing the Fiorentina midfielder.
The Italian has really come into his own this season after signing for the club from Juventus in 2025 and is also wanted by AC Milan and Atletico Madrid.
Read More: Tottenham have already made contact to sign ‘very special’ midfielder who recently made Brazil debut
However, Paratici, who swapped Tottenham for Fiorentina in January, has issued a ‘hands off’ warning to his former clubs and other interested parties.
The report suggests Fagioli will not be sold regardless of what the offer is, as Paratici plans to launch an ambitious project at Fiorentina.
And the Italian is expected to be important to their plans, which could scupper any talks of a transfer.
Tottenham have also been linked with a move for Manuel Locatelli, so they are clearly turning to Serie A for potential midfield recruitments.
Pirlo’s Fagioli verdict
Andrea Pirlo is one of the greatest midfielders in the history of football and gave Fagioli his Juventus debut.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport via One Football, the Italian lauded the young midfielder back in October 2023.
“Locatelli is growing. The biggest leap was made by Fagioli, who made his debut with me.
“He knows how to do everything and is a cornerstone of Juve and has the qualities to excel in directing play. He could be the new Pirlo, but better remembered as Fagioli.”
That is such high praise, especially from someone like Pirlo. Fagioli is clearly a talented midfielder who can play multiple roles, so he could be a good fit for Tottenham.
If they secure Premier League safety, maybe they could test the waters with a move, although Paratici won’t part with his prized asset without a fight.
