‘We don’t want players who don’t want us’ – Tottenham boss dismisses English-Nigerian star Eberechi Eze after snub

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has dismissed concerns over the club’s failure to land Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze, insisting he has no interest in players unwilling to commit fully to the project at Spurs.

Eze, who has Nigerian heritage but represents England internationally, had been one of Tottenham’s key transfer targets this summer.

However, the 27-year-old winger opted to join North London rivals Arsenal, who acted decisively to secure his services in a deal worth a reported £60 million.

Speaking after Spurs’ preseason preparations, Frank said missing out on Eze was not a setback to his plans.

“I don’t need players who don’t want to join the club,” he stated firmly. “If they don’t want to come here and wear this beautiful badge, then we don’t want them here.”

Tottenham had tracked Eze for months, with the player’s creativity and goal threat viewed as the ideal complement to their attacking line. But Arsenal’s rapid negotiations and willingness to meet Palace’s valuation ensured they won the race, leaving Spurs to look elsewhere.

For Frank, the focus is now on identifying alternatives in the final weeks of the transfer window. With a challenging season ahead, he is expected to push for reinforcements in attacking areas as Spurs look to compete across multiple competitions.

Despite the disappointment, Frank remained defiant about the club’s recruitment strategy.

“This is Tottenham Hotspur, one of the biggest clubs in England. We will attract the right players—those who believe in what we are building. That’s the type of player we need.”

The departure of Eze to Arsenal marks a significant coup for Mikel Arteta’s side, but Tottenham’s response in the market could yet define the trajectory of their season.