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Credit: Imago
Harri Burton
Fri 8 August 2025 15:50, UK
Tottenham supporters have been impressed by the summer additions of Joao Palhinha, Mohammed Kudus, and Mathys Tel but will have been disappointed to be squeezed out of the Eberechi Eze race.
Until facing Bayern Munich on Thursday, 7 August, Spurs were unbeaten under Thomas Frank, preparing for the 2025/26 campaign after the cut-throat sacking of Ange Postecoglou.
Now, James Maddison‘s major injury blow has left a huge hole in the squad this summer, with very little time to find a replacement, while Mikel Arteta’s side appears to have found the final piece of its puzzle.
Arsenal were clearly lacking a centre-forward figure last season, with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus sidelined via injury, which saw them miss out on the Premier League and Champions League titles.
Both clubs have viewed Eze as a quality signing over the summer, Spurs coming in with the initial interest, but it quickly became clear that the Gunners had muscled their way into the lead for his signature.
The Lilywhites might not be so worried about the missed transfer anymore.
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Despite adding Viktor Gyokeres to the squad, Arsenal continue discussions over adding Eberechi Eze to their ranks following the expiration of the Crystal Palace star’s £68million release clause.
The 27-year-old notched 14 goals and 12 assists across all competitions last season, even scoring the only goal in a history-defining FA Cup final victory over Man City at Wembley Stadium.
While Tottenham are unlikely to reignite their interest in Eze, Mick Brown told Football Insider, the Lilywhites could end up signing a very similar figure for a cheaper fee and a much higher ceiling.
Eberechi Eze’s stats from the 2024/25 season.
(Credit: Imago)
According to Sky Sports Italia (7 August), Spurs have already seen a £34.6million bid for Como’s Nico Paz rejected, with a second offer of £52million likely to begin negotiations with the Serie A side.
Multiple Premier League clubs are interested in the Argentine, and given his likeness to Eze, it is no wonder.
Paz notched six goals and eight assists in Serie A last season, registering just two fewer goal contributions than the Arsenal target did in the Premier League, and the former Real Madrid gem is seven years younger.
Last season, Paz’s 77 progressive carries, 163 progressive passes, and 33.9 per cent shooting accuracy blew Eze’s 67 progressive carries, 97 progressive passes, and 27 per cent shooting accuracy out of the water [FBref].
The Como star also boasted a higher passing accuracy, nine more shot-creating actions, and 70 more touches in the final third, suggesting that he would be far more effective in front of goal than Eze.
Despite the Palace star no longer having a release clause, Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Arsenal will still likely need to pay upwards of £68million to get a deal done.
If the choice is between a 27-year-old Eze, who has never really reached his potential, versus Paz, one of the most sought-after young attacking midfielders, it is a no-brainer decision for Frank and his team.
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