Tottenham transfer targets: Three exciting Eberechi Eze alternatives Thomas Frank could target after Spurs snub

Tottenham Hotspur have been forced back into the transfer market after being spectacularly outmanoeuvred by Arsenal in a last-minute swoop for Eberechi Eze, leaving Thomas Frank’s side needing to reassess their plans and secure an alternative attacking option capable of providing creativity, vision and technical quality in the advanced midfield role.Â

The Lilywhites had been actively pursuing creative midfielders throughout the summer, with Mohammed Kudus joining the club while a move for Morgan Gibbs-White ultimately collapsed as the player signed a new contract at Nottingham Forest, and their need for attacking reinforcements was only intensified when James Maddison was ruled out for much of the season with an ACL injury.Â

Eze appeared to be on the verge of joining Tottenham, but the 27-year-old has snubbed Spurs after a late move from Arsenal, leaving Frank's side needing to identify an alternative target to slot into the attacking midfield position, and here, Sports Mole takes a look at three exciting options that the club could now pursue.

Tyler Dibling (Southampton)

Despite playing for a dismal Southampton side, Dibling emerged as one of England's most exciting attacking prospects in 2024-25, impressing with his combination of direct dribbling, physical prowess and ability to receive and deliver passes in high-pressure situations.Â

His performances for the Saints last season earned plenty of interest heading into the summer window, with a whole host of top-flight clubs looking at adding the 19-year-old talent to their attacking roster, and Spurs could be the latest to knock of Southampton's door.Â

Dibling's ability to play from the right or through the middle could make him an ideal squad option for Frank, able to rotate with Kudus and Dejan Kulusesvski, while he also has the potential to develop and grow into one of the top attacking talents in the coming seasons.Â

Southampton reportedly want around £50m for the attacking midfielder's signature, and with the likes of Everton and Crystal Palace supposedly in talks regarding a deal, Spurs will have to move fast if they want to avoid missing out on another transfer target.

Maghnes Akliouche (AS Monaco)

After failing to reach an agreement with Manchester City for the transfer of Savinho earlier in the window, Tottenham shifted their attention to Monaco's Akliouche, and their interest is expected to grow following Eze's move to the club being scuppered by Arsenal.

Akliouche first drew attention after registering eight goals and four assists in 31 appearances for Monaco in 2023-24, and the attacking midfielder only heightened interest with a superb campaign in 2024-25, recording seven goals and 12 assists in 43 matches across all competitions.

Akliouche's 10 assists in Ligue 1 last season was only bettered by Rayan Cherki (11) and Gaetan Perrin (11), showing his impressive creative ability in the final third, while his standout attributes are his close control and ability to dribble past players in tight spaces.Â

The left-footed forward is similarly capable of playing from the right wing or in more central areas of the pitch, and Monaco are reportedly asking for around £45 million for Akliouche's services.

Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

After Eze's move to Arsenal was reported late last night, Tottenham supposedly reached out to several alternative targets, with some reports indicating the club have shown an ambitious interest in Aston Villa's Rogers.

Rogers would provide a different kind of profile to Dibling and Akliouche, being a right-footed player that can play anywhere across the attacking midfield three, though his best position is thought to be playing just behind the striker, where he struck up a prolific relationship with Ollie Watkins last season.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign for the Villans in 2024-25, registering 14 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, including a notable eight goals and 10 assists in the Premier League - only Anthony Elanga (11), Jacob Murphy (12) and Mohamed Salah (18) managed more assists.

While those performances caught the eye of a number of elite sides across Europe, any deal for the England international is anticipated to be extremely difficult due to Aston Villa's firm stance on keeping the highly-rated attacking midfielder at the club.

However, it has been reported that Tottenham are extremely interested in what has been described as their dream transfer, and with money to spend following their failed move for Eze, Spurs may now focus on a move for the Premier League-proven sensation.

Â