Tottenham have been left with plenty of work to do in the final stages of the transfer window.
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Tottenham are now said to be eyeing as many as three signings before the window closes at the end of the month. It has been a tricky window for Spurs, who have managed to strengthen some key areas with the signings of Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha.
But with James Maddison out for much of the season, Thomas Frank now desperately needs an attacking midfielder, and there are other areas in need of more depth, including the striker position, although it looks as though other positions will take priority, especially with Richarlison looking like staying.
Tottenham looked set to land Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace on a £60million deal, but Arsenal swooped back in and wrapped up a deal. That leaves Tottenham still searching for an attacking midfielder, and it leaves them with a lot to do in general heading into the last week of the window.
Providing some insight on Tottenham’s plans, Michael Bridge of Sky Sports reported: “Tottenham Hotspur moved on from Eberechi Eze once it became clear he wanted to join Arsenal and they are now focusing on other targets. Spurs want to sign a No 10, a winger and a centre back ahead of the deadline.
"Several recent reports have linked Spurs with Tyler Dibling, but this is long-standing interest. There is interest in Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche. It could be a very busy final few weeks at Spurs and clubs are aware they are prepared to pay £60m on the desired player after missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White and Eze for similar fees. Spurs feel they couldn't have done any more on both failed deals."
How the Eze deal fell apart
The Eze deal will have rocked Tottenham, but it seems the situation was out of their hands dur to the emotional connection between the player and the Gunners.
"Arsenal made a June approach, as revealed, and a key July meeting took place between Eze, Arteta and Berta," wrote journalist Ben Jacobs on X. "Eze always wanted Arsenal, but Nwaneri's new deal stopped a bid in early August. Spurs moved after missing out on Gibbs-White and Maddison's ACL. They had backed off earlier in the window prioritising adding the Forest attacker.
"Levy couldn't close the deal before the Premier League season started and this, in hindsight, proved costly. But Spurs didn't think Arsenal would bid last week, so took their time.
"Spurs reached a full agreement with Palace and Eze 48 hours ago, but Havertz's injury meant Arsenal were suddenly in the race.
"Arsenal able to agree a fee quickly on Wednesday with Berta and Tim Lewis involved. £60m plus add-ons, same ballpark as Spurs had in place. Eze would have joined Spurs had Arsenal not bid, but as soon as they did, he was always going to pick #AFC due to an emotional connection with the club."
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank made it clear this week that he only wants players who really want to play for Spurs, and it seems Eze did not fall into that category.