Tottenham cannot stop Eberechi Eze transfer despite personal assurances
Tottenham have been linked with some standout names this summer, but landing them has been a different story.
Spurs thought they had made inroads to sign Morgan Gibbs-White, only to be thwarted by Evangelos Marinakis and an alleged illegal approach.
Then, it appeared Tottenham had landed Eberechi Eze, but Arsenal have seemingly stolen him from under their noses.
Now, the Lilywhites have been told of the stark reality that they have faced in the transfer market this summer.
This story includes exclusive comment from football finance expert Dr Daniel Plumley.
MORE SPURS STORIES
Tottenham suffer in pursuit of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace
Spurs need an attacking midfielder after James Maddison’s injury, and time is running out to bring in a replacement.
Of course, Eze would have been the ideal candidate, but now the North London club must move on fast.
Football finance expert Dan Plumley – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – has weighed in on the situation, as Eze closes in on Arsenal.
“Unfortunately, that’s the cold, hard reality of it until a deal’s signed,” he said.
“It’s not signed, and you haven’t got that player. You can have assurances, you can have positive conversations that can stretch multiple weeks of the window, but until that deal is done and everything’s signed, you’re always wary of this.
“And unfortunately, Spurs here, there is absolutely nothing they can do, and obviously he’s got links to Arsenal as well, hasn’t he, from his younger days.
“It’s really, really tough, but it’s just an example of what can you do? And sometimes you can’t do anything, it’s just the way the market works.”
Who could Spurs sign instead of Eberechi Eze?
The concerning thing for Tottenham is that there are no obvious quality alternatives to the Arsenal-bound man.
Harvey Elliott has been linked with a move to Spurs, but there is no guarantee Liverpool want to part with him.
Another option could be Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, and although he has shown promise, he looks likely to join Everton now.
Maghnes Akliouche and Nico Paz are two other names who have been thrown around, but both are relatively unknown prospects.
Whatever happens, the North London club must find the right man and fast.