Tottenham Hotspur are not expected to stump up the cash required to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace and are on course to turn their attentions towards luring Lyon star Rayan Cherki to Hotspur Way during the summer transfer window instead, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Europa League finalists will have to fork out £20.9million in order to make Kevin Danso a permanent member of their squad in the coming weeks, thanks to the terms agreed with Lens when he initially joined on loan, but Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou and influential figures behind the scenes are in the market for attacking reinforcements.
Fresh creativity is wanted by Tottenham and, despite having an option to buy Mathys Tel for £45million from Bayern Munich, Eze and Cherki have been on the north Londoners' radar after deciding to make plans to upgrade a side which could end their lengthy wait for silverware on Wednesday.
Spurs In Line to Miss Out on Sealing Eze Deal
England international expected to be out of north Londoners' reach
Tottenham are facing frustration in their pursuit of Eze, according to GMS sources, as there is an internal feeling that they will not have the finances to get the deal over the line even though there is already an awareness of what it would take to force Premier League counterparts Crystal Palace into agreeing terms.
The England international has a £68million release clause written into his Selhurst Park contract, which will reactivate when the transfer window officially reopens for business, meaning the Eagles are in serious danger of being left helpless if Spurs or another interested party ups the ante in their pursuit.
GMS sources have been informed that Tottenham are fearful that Eze, who showcased his ability by putting in a match-winning performance for Crystal Palace in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City last weekend, will be out of their reach and there is little chance of paying what it will take to recruit him.
The 26-year-old playmaker has been described as a 'superstar' by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher and, having been long-term admirers, Spurs have been keeping tabs on his current situation ahead of potentially heading to the negotiating table with a formal offer during the summer.
Tottenham have decided to continue looking into better value deals as they seek an exciting attacker and creator ahead of next season, GMS sources have learned, and that has resulted in Cherki being firmly in their sights as an alternative to Eze as preparations are made to invest in the squad.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Eberechi Eze made two key passes and got his name on the scoresheet despite being restricted to a nine-minute substitute appearance for Crystal Palace against Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this week
Meetings Held With Cherki's Representatives
Capital club attempting to discover terms winger wants to join
GMS sources have been told that Tottenham have already held initial meetings with Cherki's representatives to uncover more on his situation and the terms he will be looking for, but they will only have a better idea of what they can offer him after the Europa League final against Manchester United.
Ligue 1 outfit Lyon have confirmed that the winger - who has been labelled as a 'future Ballon d'Or winner - will leave the Groupama Stadium ahead of next season, giving Spurs additional hope of being able to secure his services, and the north Londoners have intensified their pursuit by entering conversations with his entourage over a potential switch.
Tottenham have declared their interest at a time when Cherki is continuing to assess his potential landing spots, GMS sources understand, and Crystal Palace could prove to be among the capital club's leading competitors for his signature as they prepare for a campaign which will include European action.
GMS sources recently revealed that Spurs are expecting to quickly tie Mikey Moore down to a new contract, which would end Borussia Dortmund's attempts to tempt him to the Bundesliga in the coming months, but there remains an eagerness to bring in fresh competition for a regular starting berth on the left flank.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 21/05/2025