Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for three late-summer signings after missing out on Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, but time is quickly running out for chairman Daniel Levy and the Lilywhites recruitment team.
Spurs were forced to return to their transfer drawing board for a new playmaker yet again earlier this week, after their north London rivals hijacked a once-advanced deal for Eze.
The 27-year-old agreed personal terms to join Thomas Frank’s side, with the finances of a deal also struck with Palace, so it appeared only a matter of time before they welcomed the player to N17.
However, Kai Havertz’s injury prompted Arsenal to mount a sensational late move for their ex-academy gem after weeks of groundwork, despite initially hesitating, and once the Gunners came in, Eze’s choice was crystal clear.
“Arsenal made a June approach, as revealed, and a key July meeting took place between Eze, Arteta and Berta,” wrote journalist Ben Jacobs on X, who explained exactly how the deal happened.
“Eze always wanted Arsenal, but Nwaneri’s new deal stopped a bid in early August. Spurs moved after missing out on Gibbs-White and Maddison’s ACL. They had backed off earlier in the window prioritising adding the Forest attacker.
“Levy couldn’t close the deal before the Premier League season started and this, in hindsight, proved costly. But Spurs didn’t think Arsenal would bid last week, so took their time.
“Spurs reached a full agreement with Palace and Eze 48 hours ago, but Havertz’s injury meant Arsenal were suddenly in the race.
“Arsenal able to agree a fee quickly on Wednesday with Berta and Tim Lewis involved. £60m plus add-ons, same ballpark as Spurs had in place. Eze would have joined Spurs had Arsenal not bid, but as soon as they did, he was always going to pick #AFC due to an emotional connection with the club.”
It marks one of the stories of the transfer window, but for Tottenham, it is nothing but frustration.
Since the Eze humiliation, Spurs have been linked with a host of alternatives – including Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, Como’s Nico Paz, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, Bournemouth midfielder (and boyhood Lilywhites supporter) Alex Scott, RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, Southampton sensation Tyler Dibling and Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss.
However, the likes of El Khannouss, Dibling and Simons are already in talks over moves to different clubs, so if they’re serious, Tottenham may need to pull off a late hijack of their own.
Tottenham eyeing late moves for number 10, winger and centre-back
To make matters more complicated, according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge, Tottenham have other items on the agenda away from their search for a playmaker.
It is believed that Spurs are eyeing late signings of a number 10, winger and a centre-back before the deadline on September 1, so Levy has plenty to do, and with very little time to do it.
“Tottenham Hotspur moved on from Eberechi Eze once it became clear he wanted to join Arsenal and they are now focusing on other targets,” said Bridge.
“Spurs want to sign a No 10, a winger and a centre back ahead of the deadline.
“Several recent reports have linked Spurs with Tyler Dibling, but this is long-standing interest. There is interest in Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche.
“It could be a very busy final few weeks at Spurs and clubs are aware they are prepared to pay £60m on the desired player after missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White and Eze for similar fees.
“Spurs feel they couldn’t have done any more on both failed deals.”
In terms of a winger and defender, Tottenham are expected to mount another push for Savinho from Man City, with the two sides going head-to-head today, and there is believed to be an interest in Brentford captain Nathan Collins.