Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of a marquee signing under new manager Thomas Frank is intensifying, with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze now emerging as the club’s most realistic high-profile option.
With several early transfer targets lost to Premier League rivals, Spurs are feeling the heat to avoid yet another frustrating window.
Eze, who has Nigerian heritage despite representing England at international level, is viewed within Tottenham as the ideal player to lift optimism around the Frank era. His flair, dynamism, and proven Premier League pedigree make him a compelling target. However, competition is fierce — Arsenal have a longstanding interest and could yet hijack the move if Spurs delay further.
Spurs trail key targets amid quiet start to Frank era
Supporters had hoped the arrival of Frank from Brentford would quickly yield momentum in the transfer market.
Yet so far, some of his most admired former players — Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Nørgaard — have eluded Tottenham, with Mbeumo heading to Manchester United and Nørgaard bound for Arsenal.
Spurs have also lost out on other key targets. Young talents like Rooney Bardghji (Barcelona), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Angel Gomes (Marseille), and Johnny Cardoso (Atletico Madrid) have all chosen alternative destinations.
Even Danish midfielder Victor Froholdt now appears set to join Eintracht Frankfurt.
Officially, the club downplays the seriousness of its interest in some of these names. But privately, sources admit the optics are unflattering, especially with rivals moving decisively for players Tottenham had explored.
Eze the clearest shot — but Arsenal lurk
Attention has now turned squarely to Eze, who is available via a £60 million release clause, payable in three instalments with an additional £8 million in bonuses.
Spurs view him as more financially viable than alternatives like Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo or even Mbeumo, and believe his style would suit Frank’s system.
Sources close to the player suggest he is open to Tottenham, but also intrigued by Arsenal’s interest.
The Gunners reportedly view Eze as a fallback if their move for Rodrygo does not materialise. Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Manchester City have also tracked him.
With so many options, Spurs must act quickly or risk losing another premium talent.
Kudus and Simons among fallback plans
Tottenham are preparing contingencies should Eze prove elusive. Mohammed Kudus, eager to leave West Ham, is admired at Spurs.
Xavi Simons has also been offered to the club, and Brighton duo Kaoru Mitoma and Joao Pedro have been discussed internally.
The only signing thus far has been Japanese centre-back Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale — a low-cost, developmental signing rather than a transformative one.
To truly usher in the Frank era, Spurs need a headline name. Whether that is Eze, Kudus, or another elite attacker, time is running out to make a definitive statement.
