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David Ornstein has now shed light on which of Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have shown more concrete interest in Eberechi Eze, revealing that one of the two clubs are now ‘seriously considering’ completing a deal for the attacking midfielder.

It emerged at the start of last week that Tottenham are ready to pay Eze’s £68m release clause after making contact with the 27-year-old over a move to N17.

However, since then, it has been reported by a number of publications that Arsenal have also made contact with Eberechi Eze regarding a move to the Emirates.

Some outlets have even claimed over recent days that Tottenham have backed off from Eze while other sources have asserted that the Crystal Palace star has expressed a desire to join the Gunners.

Tottenham are not working on a deal for Eberechi Eze

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has now confirmed that Eze is indeed one of the attackers who is being considered by Mikel Arteta as he looks to add more firepower to his forward line.

Interestingly, he claims that the Gunners have actually not made any contact with Palace yet, but they are now ‘seriously considering’ making a move for the England international.

Ornstein adds that no other club has shown as much interest in Eze as Arsenal, and he adds that Tottenham Hotspur are not actively working to bring the player through the door.

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The journalist explains that if Arsenal do push ahead with a move for the former QPR man, they would be looking to do a deal at a lower price than his £68m release clause.

Why have Tottenham abandoned their pursuit of Eze?

This update from Ornstein comes on the back of a number of reports suggesting that Mohammed Kudus has now emerged as Tottenham’s top attacking target.

The reason Spurs may have turned their attention from the Palace star to the West Ham man might be down to the difference in price.

Richarlison could be set for a fresh start away from Tottenham, as Thomas Frank reportedly gives the go-ahead for the Brazilian’s departure this summer.

So far this transfer window, five players have departed the Europa League winners as they look to rebuild under new head coach Thomas Frank.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s £17million obligation-to-buy clause was triggered by Marseille, while Sergio Reguilon, Alfie Whiteman, Fraser Forster and Timo Werner have also left N17 this summer.

More departures are expected before the start of the season, as Tottenham aim to strengthen their squad ahead of what promises to be a gruelling 2025/26 campaign, with both UEFA Champions League and Premier League football to navigate.

Richarlison set to leave Tottenham after Thomas Frank’s approval

A few months ago, it was reported that Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison was considering a move away from Spurs, in search of consistent game time ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The Brazilian forward has endured a frustrating spell in north London since his move in 2022, with recurring injuries repeatedly limiting his opportunities.

A report from The Sun now claims that Tottenham are open to selling Richarlison this summer, after new manager Thomas Frank gave the green light for the forward’s exit.

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The 28-year-old has been linked with a return to Everton, but it is understood that Toffees boss David Moyes has not sanctioned a move for the former Everton striker and is instead targeting alternative options.

How much Tottenham would demand for Richarlison this summer

Richarlison played 15 times for Tottenham last season in the Premier League, scoring four goals and registering one assist in those appearances.

However, his campaign was injury-laden, as he missed over 30 matches across all competitions. He was fit enough to start the Europa League final, ahead of club captain Heung-min Son, but was substituted before the hour mark.

Saudi Arabian clubs remain interested in Richarlison, but it is understood that the Brazilian prefers to remain in Europe.

A move to Fenerbahce, where he could reunite with former Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho, is now considered his most likely destination.

It is claimed that the Brazil international would be available for just £20million, with Tottenham preferring a permanent sale rather than a loan deal.

Tottenham’s slow start to the transfer window is starting to raise serious concerns, with their lack of urgency potentially setting them back in the top-six race before the season even begins.

The summer transfer window has been open for close to a month now, and for teams across Europe, this has allowed them to strengthen their squads in good time, ensuring that key additions get to work with their managers ahead of pre-season.

Tottenham Hotspur are no different, as they have completed the signing of three players so far this summer. Mathys Tel’s winter loan was made permanent after Spurs negotiated a £29.5 million fee, Kevin Danso’s £21 million obligation to buy was triggered, while young Japanese centre-back Kota Takai is close to joining from Kawasaki Frontale in a deal worth £5 million.

While these technically count as summer business, only one of those players is a genuine new arrival, with both Tel and Danso already integrated into life at N17, having spent the past six months at the club.

Regardless, Tottenham still have work to do in the market. Multiple reports claim that Spurs are targeting five new additions this summer, with several areas of the squad in need of bolstering.

Tottenham missing out on top transfer targets as rivals press ahead

While such reports might bring a bit of hope to Tottenham supporters, who are desperate to see their side compete properly this season, the club’s current approach in the market does little to inspire confidence.

At present, Spurs continue to fall short in their pursuit of key targets. Liam Delap has opted for Chelsea, Johnny Cardoso is closing in on a move to Atletico Madrid, Bryan Mbeumo appears to favour Manchester United, and Eberechi Eze is now attracting serious interest from Arsenal.

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Tottenham have also reportedly withdrawn from talks for Antoine Semenyo, with Bournemouth’s £65 million asking price deemed excessive, even though there are suggestions Spurs are in the market for a marquee addition.

This string of rejections does not reflect well on Tottenham’s recruitment strategy, and it paints a worrying picture ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Spurs risk falling behind with slow transfer strategy

With no flurry of major arrivals yet confirmed, it points to a familiar pattern at Tottenham – poor planning, unclear ambition, and questions over funding.

Tottenham have rarely acted swiftly in the market. Last winter was a prime example, when injuries left the squad threadbare, yet the club delayed most of their business until the final days of the window, having already missed out on top targets.

It is a habit that speaks volumes about a board that fails to prepare properly for transfer windows. Tottenham are not in financial distress. There are reports that Spurs could spend £250 million and still remain within PSR limits.

Some outlets suggest that Spurs would require a cash injection from their owners to complete key deals, as Tottenham still owes £330m in unpaid transfer fees despite the Champions League windfall.

That should not be a problem for Daniel Levy and his team, who continue to generate significant revenue from non-footballing events at the stadium, yet there has been no significant financial backing for the squad so far.

Spurs persist in approaching the market like a mid-table side, targeting top players while refusing to meet their wage demands. Bryan Mbeumo’s preference for Manchester United likely stems from the superior salary package on offer at Old Trafford.

Such a cautious and conservative approach is clearly hampering Tottenham’s ability to compete, as the club continue to delay in search of cheap, perfect solutions that do not exist.

This lack of urgency could cost Tottenham dearly. Clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City have already made major moves, giving their new arrivals ample time to settle in before the season kicks off.

Liverpool and City, in particular, have laid the groundwork for title challenges by moving decisively in the market. Some may argue that Aston Villa and Newcastle United have also been quiet, but those clubs are already settled on the pitch, with stronger starting line-ups and a clear tactical identity.

Tottenham, who finished 17th last season, cannot afford to adopt the same passive approach. They need to act with greater intent, because if they fail to strengthen in time, they could find themselves playing catch-up once again, watching the rest of the top six pull away while their own new signings – if they arrive at all – scramble to adapt.

Jamie O’Hara is tipping one Tottenham Hotspur defender to play a key role next season, believing he has the character and quality to step in if first-choice names are unavailable.

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to compete on several fronts next season, including the UEFA Champions League, after they booked a spot in the competition thanks to their Europa League triumph.

A bigger squad of fit players would be absolutely vital for Thomas Frank and his backroom staff as they look to navigate what would be a demanding 2025/26 campaign.

At present, the centre-back position looks stacked, as Tottenham have at least eight players to call on in that part of the pitch, thanks to loan players returning and the signing of Japanese centre-back Kota Takai.

Jamie O’Hara backs Tottenham defender Kevin Danso for a bigger role

Jamie O’Hara is never shy of voicing his opinion, and he has now singled out one player that he thinks would be crucial for Spurs in the upcoming season – Kevin Danso.

O’Hara, speaking on Grosvenor Sport, has stated that he believes Danso would play a lot of games should Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven pick up injuries.

The former Tottenham man also praised Danso’s personality, claiming that he believes he is the sort of player that every manager would want to have in their dressing room.

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He said: “I like Kevin Danso; he is a really good signing. He potentially could be someone who plays a lot of games for Tottenham, in case Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven get injured or leave the club.

“He is a good player and has a personality; I am already a fan after seeing him on holiday in Ibiza. He strikes me as someone who, as a coach, you would really want in the dressing room.”

Danso himself has the right mentality to succeed at Spurs, as he has already stated that he intends to fight for a starting spot in the Tottenham squad next season.

Danso could thrive under Spurs boss Thomas Frank

Of course, the 26-year-old centre-back only joined Tottenham six months ago during the winter window, as Spurs agreed a loan deal with an obligation to buy from RC Lens and has since become a fan favourite.

Since the Austrian defender joined the Lilywhites, he has impressed, making 15 appearances for Spurs, including a brief substitute appearance in the Europa League final, where he helped Tottenham see out their one-goal lead.

For sure, this summer, Spurs could lose Romero, as Atletico Madrid continues to retain strong interest in the Argentine centre-back.

Although Dimitar Berbatov spent longer at Manchester United than he did at Tottenham Hotspur, the Bulgarian has now given two answers that hint that he looks back at his time at White Hart Lane more fondly than his time at Old Trafford.

Berbatov was a relatively unknown quantity for English football fans when Martin Jol’s Tottenham signed him from Bayer Leverkusen in 2006.

However, from the second he set foot on the pitch, it was evident to Tottenham Hotspur fans that they were watching a genius, with the Bulgarian proving the quintessential Spurs player: not the hardest worker but capable of magic with the ball at his feet.

Berbatov swapped Spurs for Man United in 2008 and won the Premier League title twice in his four seasons at Old Trafford, but he admits that some of his best memories came in a Tottenham shirt.

Dimitar Berbatov reveals his favourite Tottenham moment

The centre-forward played alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez at United, but he picked Spurs legend Robbie Keane as the one he loved playing alongside the most, referring to it as a “great partnership.”

When asked for the best atmosphere he ever played in, Berbatov picked Tottenham’s 2008 League Cup final win against Chelsea at Wembley.

After the Blues had taken the lead through a Didier Drogba free-kick, the former Spurs striker scored the equaliser from the penalty spot before Jonathan Woodgate scored an extra-time winner for the Lilywhites.

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Little did Tottenham fans know at the time that they would have to wait 17 years to see their side lift another trophy.

Watch what the 44-year-old told TNT Sports Football on TikTok:

@tntsportsfootball Dimitar Berbatov takes on career questions 🙌 #manchesterunited #manutd #mufc #tottenham #spurs #tottenhamhotspur ♬ original sound – TNT Sports Football

The Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane partnership was one for the ages

While Spurs fans understandably reminisce about the Kane and Son partnership, which was the most productive in Premier League history, the Keane-Berbatov pairing was even more deadly.

The only reason their strike partnership is not discussed as one of the best in the competition’s history is that they only played together for two seasons.

Berbatov and Keane played 80 games together, during which both scored 38 goals. Berbatov also provided 23 assists, while Keane contributed 16.

A football finance expert has revealed why the Manchester United owners may have to pay £11m to Tottenham Hotspur, but it has nothing to do with any transfer dealings between the two clubs.

Man United have seemingly won a decisive battle against the Lilywhites already this summer, with Bryan Mbeumo expected to snub Spurs in favour of a move to Old Trafford.

However, Tottenham are now looking to score a big win over the Red Devils in court after INEOS, who own a minority stake in Man United, reneged on a multimillion-pound, five-year deal with Spurs.

INEOS Grenadier car became Tottenham’s ‘official 4×4 vehicle partner’, but after the company ran into some financial trouble, they decided to end the sponsorship agreement with Spurs two years before the deal was due to run out.

Man United expected to reach a settlement with Tottenham

Earlier this month, Spurs took High Court legal action against INEOS and it has since emerged that Tottenham are seeking as much as £11m from INEOS Automotive as compensation for discontinuing the agreement.

Football finance expert Stefan Borson has now explained that the £11m figure is due to the estimated revenue Spurs have missed out on over the length of the contract.

He pointed out that Tottenham Hotspur have not been able to secure a sufficiently lucrative sponsorship to replace their agreement with INEOS.

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Borson told Football Insider: “You have to understand what that £11million is.

“The first thing is it’s a very odd situation because I seem to recall that when it came out that that agreement had been terminated, the parties said that they basically agreed a settlement in respect of it, and that obviously seems not to have been true.

“INEOS effectively owe Spurs the payment for the rest of the season in which they terminated, and then the claim is for the two years left of the contract now. Of course, Tottenham will have a duty to mitigate that loss by going and finding a replacement sponsor.

“So, the way it works is this is a contractual claim and they will effectively have to show the court that they tried to mitigate the £11 million of lost revenue by trying to find a replacement.

“I think it’s interesting that they’ve not yet been able to. I think it’s also interesting that it’s about a £5 million-a-year contract. It’s quite a lot. It’s pretty sizable given the properties.

“I think INEOS were the official vehicle partner and obviously also had the pitch side sponsorship, so that’s what they bought for £5 million. I think £5 million a year for that feels like quite a lot, but we know that’s what it was. It’s probably quite hard for Spurs to find a replacement.”

Every penny counts for Spurs amidst cash flow problems

It has been well documented that Tottenham have cash flow problems due to their outstanding transfer debt.

Some sources have suggested that the only way for Spurs to spend big this summer is for ENIC to invest cash into the club, which is not something they have been keen to do since taking over the North London side back in 2001.

A journalist has now revealed what West Ham United are thinking about Tottenham’s interest in Mohammed Kudus and whether the East London club would be open to doing business with their fierce rivals.

Since Monday morning, it appears that Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in the Hammers star has now intensified, with several outlets expecting the Lilywhites to advance on the versatile attacker.

This includes an update from The Telegraph, which asserts that Spurs are ready to break their artificial transfer embargo with West Ham by signing Kudus.

The outlet claimed that the Ghana international is now the most likely attacker to end up in N17, even though Spurs have also explored moves for the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Antoine Semenyo and Eberechi Eze.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has said that Kudus is open to a move to Tottenham after the North London side held talks with the 24-year-old’s agent.

West Ham may be forced to sell Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham

The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg has now pointed out that since Graham Potter’s men have to sell players before they can buy, they might have to accept a sufficiently large enough offer from Tottenham for Kudus.

He pointed out that West Ham do not have any other sellable assets in their squad apart from the former Ajax man, but warned that there might be outrage among the fans if the player is sold to Spurs. However, the journalist added that the Lilywhites have not launched an offer for the Ghannian yet.

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He wrote: ‘West Ham remain adamant they need to sell to buy. Fear of a PSR breach if they don’t. The squad so badly put together that Kudus is basically the only sellable asset, so selling him to Spurs is very possible if they offer enough.

‘Yes, there are graphics showing that West Ham are in good financial health but those are assumptions that can’t factor in losses that aren’t reported yet. Even so, none of this is exactly next level. Sell Kudus to Spurs and you’re either inviting protests or apathy. There hasn’t been a bid from Spurs for Kudus yet.’

Spurs fans are excited about Kudus interest

These rumours have gone down very well with Tottenham supporters, with some Spurs fans suggesting that Kudus would be a better signing than Eze or Semenyo.

However, Spurs are not expected to have a free run at the West Ham star, who is also thought to be on the radar of other Premier League sides.

Tottenham Hotspur have now set their sights on a highly-rated Liverpool star, who is now thought to be open to an exit from Anfield, but the Lilywhites have to contend with competition from a whole host of clubs across the Premier League and Europe.

It has been well-documented that Tottenham are looking to address their lack of homegrown numbers this summer ahead of their return to the Champions League.

Additionally, it has also been claimed by several sources that strengthening Tottenham’s midfield is one of Thomas Frank’s priorities this summer.

That perhaps explains why the Lilywhites have now allegedly made advances towards a young English midfielder, whose future at Liverpool is thought to be in doubt.

Tottenham have enquired about Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott

It has now been revealed by TBR Football that Tottenham Hotspur have enquired about the availability of Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott.

The versatile attacking midfielder is thought to be keen on an exit from Anfield in search of regular game time, particularly after the arrival of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.

However, the report warns that Spurs are not alone in their admiration of the 22-year-old, with nearly half of the Premier League alleged to have asked for information about his availability.

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Fulham, Newcastle, Everton, Brighton, Crystal Palace, Leeds, Brentford and West Ham, are all said to be monitoring Elliot’s situation at the moment.

It is asserted that Arne Slot’s men are open to selling the midfielder this summer but they are demanding more than £40m for his services.

Tottenham fans have already made it clear that they would love to sign Elliott and James McAtee from Liverpool and Manchester City respectively this summer.

RB Leipzig want Elliott and that could work in Tottenham’s favour

TBR Football say that the Liverpool midfielder is also attracting interest from the Bundesliga, with Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen having shown interest in the youngster.

However, the most serious interest from Germany is coming from RB Leipzig, with the club’s Global Sports Director Jurgen Klopp said to be keen on reuniting with Elliott.

It is asserted that Leipzig view the England Under-21 international as a replacement for Netherlands international Xavi Simons.

Japanese football expert Tasuku Okawa has now revealed what Tottenham fans can expect from Kota Takai, outlining his strengths and weaknesses.

Tottenham Hotspur fans would be eager to see the club’s newest addition, Kota Takai, in action in the Lilywhites of Spurs.

While Tottenham have not officially announced the Japanese international’s arrival, an announcement is expected soon, following recent reports that Spurs have agreed a £5 million deal with Kawasaki Frontale.

Regardless, Takai has already received huge praise from a Japanese football expert, who stated that Spurs’ new signing, at his age, is better than Takehiro Tomiyasu was at a similar stage in his development. The expert also pointed out that it is rare for a player so young to be capped by the Japanese national team.

Now, Freelance football editor and former Goal.com Japan chief editor Tasuku Okawa has revealed what sort of player Takai is and what his strengths and weaknesses are.

According to the analyst, Takai’s key strengths lie in his height and dominance in the air, which give him a clear edge during set-pieces and defensive duels.

He further explains that the centre-back is not just physically imposing, but also possesses good pace and a sharp defensive awareness that allows him to read the game effectively.

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At the same time, he admits that while Takai is technically sound and comfortable on the ball, his youth and lack of high-level experience remain areas that need development if he is to make a smooth transition into the Premier League.

Head of Kota Takai’s move to Tottenham, Okawa told football.london: “His strengths are that he is tall and dominant in the air. He notably matched up well against Cristiano Ronaldo in the recent AFC Champions League match and held his own.

“However, most of the reputation in the air largely comes from his play in the J.League, where the players are generally smaller, so we will need to see how he can adapt in Premier League.

“He has good pace and strong defensive awareness and is technically solid on the ball. He is capable of carrying the ball forward and delivering line-breaking passes. He has grown through the Kawasaki youth team, as did Kaoru Mitoma, who is famous for technique.

“Takai’s weaknesses are that he is still young and needs more experience to refine his defensive moves, including the strengths I mentioned above. When it comes to language, his English is limited, so how quickly he can grasp tactical instructions is uncertain.

“Personality-wise, he is calm and perhaps a bit unconventional. He might need time to adjust to a very different environment. He is not very talkative and does not speak to the media much.

“Kota Takai has a laid-back demeanour, which could make integrating into a new team a bit of a challenge – though with a young Tottenham squad including players like Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, there may be a smoother path for connection.”

Tottenham must ensure Kota Takai gets English experience

Of course, while the centre-back is one with high potential, he still needs experience playing in England if he is to get used to the physicality of the Premier League.

Spurs often tend to make the mistake of loaning out their young players to less physical leagues, and this tends to affect their development as they struggle to adapt to English football.

Jamie Donley is set to be handed a golden opportunity to force his way into Thomas Frank’s plans at Tottenham this summer, with injuries elsewhere opening the door for the youngster to make his mark during pre-season.

A few Tottenham Hotspur players are expected to get the opportunity to impress during pre-season as preparations for the 2025/26 campaign get underway under new boss Thomas Frank.

One of those players is Jamie Donley, who spent last season on loan at Leyton Orient in EFL League One. The 20-year-old enjoyed a productive spell at Brisbane Road, scoring eight goals and providing 11 assists across the league campaign.

It has now been reported that Frank is ready to give Donley the chance to stake his claim for a spot in the first-team setup during Tottenham’s upcoming pre-season fixtures.

Jamie Donley handed Tottenham chance in Thomas Frank system

Tottenham’s first pre-season clash is scheduled to take place against Reading on Saturday, July 19, at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, with that match expected to set the tone for Frank’s approach this summer.

According to Football.London, Thomas Frank is likely planning to utilise the 4-2-3-1 system at Tottenham, mirroring the setup that brought him success at Brentford and one that could favour players who operate in the number 10 role.

That system could suit Donley, although he will face stiff competition from Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Wilson Odobert and Alfie Devine when it comes to nailing down a place in the squad moving forward.

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However, with Kulusevski and Maddison currently sidelined through injury and likely to miss the pre-season period entirely, Donley may only have to see off Devine and Odobert in the early stages, which presents a real window of opportunity for the youngster.

Donley faces big pre-season opportunity with Spurs

This scenario provides Donley with a real chance to feature in the number 10 role, especially with Alfie Devine in a similarly pivotal moment in his career as he also looks to impress after his loan spell in Belgium with Westerlo.

Wilson Odobert is set to be one of the last players to return to pre-season training at Hotspur Way, owing to his involvement with France at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship this summer.