Tottenham manager Thomas Frank unceremoniously missed out on his second playmaker of the summer on Wednesday evening, so he is in dire need of some good news when it comes to recruitment.
Despite Spurs’ very advanced talks for Eberechi Eze, Arsenal swooped in to hijack Daniel Levy’s negotiations after Kai Havertz’s injury, and they swiftly shook hands on a deal with Palace overnight.
Tottenham were believed to have a verbal pact in place with Palace and agreed personal terms with Eze, so it looked like a matter of time before the north Londoners welcomed him to N17.
However, the decision ultimately came down to Eze, as both Spurs and Arsenal were prepared to meet Palace’s demands at club level.
The England international chose Arsenal due to his long-standing connection with them through his boyhood academy years at the club (Alasdair Gold), with Frank and Levy now back to square one in their pursuit of a number 10.
They’ve been in this position before this summer, with Morgan Gibbs-White also failing to seal what was once a very advanced move to Tottenham after Nottingham Forest blocked the deal.
With Spurs’ mission to sign a James Maddison replacement now set to continue with just 12 days to go until the transfer deadline on September 1, the Lilywhites also have other positions they need to reinforce.
Frank believes that Tottenham actually need two number 10s after Maddison’s long-term injury, but whether the Dane gets his wish is another matter.
Elsewhere, it is reliably reported that Spurs also want to sign a new winger and centre-back (Michael Bridge).
Brentford captain Nathan Collins and Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie are among Tottenham’s defensive targets, while Man City winger Savinho is still being chased by Spurs despite Pep Guardiola’s side blocking the deal as of now (Fabrizio Romano).
Believe it or not, Brentford striker Yoane Wissa may also remain a possibility too.
Brentford "want to sell" Yoane Wissa to Tottenham as they delay Newcastle deal
According to The Mail’s Craig Hope, there is a feeling behind-the-scenes that the Bees are delaying their deal with Newcastle, having just rejected a second bid for the Congolese, because Brentford “want to sell” Wissa to Tottenham instead – due to their relationship with Frank.
The Dane would also be keen on signing his ex-star. However, any move for Wissa is dependent on revitalised centre-forward Richarlison leaving and a club meeting his minimum £50m valuation.
The Brazilian was actually offered as a makeweight in talks for Eze, as per this report, but that now won’t be happening.
Perhaps if they can offer out Richarlison in part-exchange for another playmaker, the door could reopen for Wissa, but for now, the 29-year-old has his “heart set” on a move to St. James’ Park.
He would be an excellent replacement for Richarlison, scoring 19 goals in the Premier League last season and earning plenty of praise from Frank in the past.