Football FanCast

Tottenham Hotspur’s summer rebuild has been nothing short of dramatic.

A Europa League triumph over Manchester United last season papered over the cracks of a domestic campaign that saw them slump to 17th.

Ange Postecoglou was swiftly replaced by Thomas Frank, a decision that divided the fanbase, while beloved captain Son Heung-min ended a decade at the club to join LAFC.

The arrival of Mohamed Kudus from West Ham and the return of Champions League football have added fresh optimism, yet there remains a glaring gap in the squad: creativity in the final third.

With James Maddison sidelined for the season after an ACL injury, Spurs’ midfield lacks a player capable of conjuring something from nothing.

Spurs' Creative Solution

The North London side have identified two names to address this issue: Manchester City’s Savinho and a forward who has been on the radar of Arsenal, City and several European giants.

Both are open to the move, but Spurs are said to be particularly confident about striking a deal for the latter, a player valued at over £60m who would immediately transform their attacking profile.

Indeed, according to TBR Football, Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze has emerged as Tottenham’s number one target.

Although personal terms have reportedly already been agreed, Palace will not let him go easily.

They are demanding a fee between £55m-£60m, but Spurs are confident the deal can be closed before the window shuts. The 27-year-old’s desire to join only strengthens their hand.

It really does feel as though this one is moving closer to completion with journalist Ben Jacobs reporting that a dearly was "nearly agreed" last Friday.

Despite that, he still featured in the Eagles' top-flight opener against Chelsea.

Parallels with Dele Alli in his prime

After lighting up the Premier League for Palace and featuring for England at Euro 2024, Eze is ready for the next step in his career.

His ability to glide past defenders, produce moments of magic, and deliver in high-stakes matches, including scoring the winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, has made him one of the division’s most captivating talents.

In many ways, Eze offers Spurs what they have missed since the departure of Dele Alli.

When Tottenham fans think back to their most recent golden era, Dele Alli is a name that instantly comes to mind.

Signed from MK Dons for just £5m in 2015, he became one of the most exciting young players in world football.

Alli scored 69 goals and assisted 59 more in 269 appearances for Spurs, winning back-to-back PFA Young Player of the Year awards and playing a crucial role in the club’s run to the 2019 Champions League final.

At his peak, Alli was valued at £90m by Transfermarkt. He was known for finishing with composure and producing outrageous pieces of skill.

Though his career has since been derailed by off-field issues and inconsistency - with spells at Everton, Besiktas, and Como - few Spurs supporters have forgotten the joy he brought in his early years under Mauricio Pochettino.

The parallels with Eze are clear not just in style, but also in data.

According to FBref, Dele regularly averaged over two shots per 90 in his breakout years, placing him among the most attacking midfielders in Europe, something Eze mirrors today with his 92nd percentile rate of 3.48 shots per 90.

Dele scored double figures in the league in three consecutive seasons, while Eze is in the 82nd percentile for shot-creating actions (4.69), showing he brings others into play as much as he seeks to finish chances himself.

Eze’s dribbling numbers also stand out. His 86th percentile take-ons (2.33 per 90) echo the freedom Dele displayed when carrying the ball past defenders in tight spaces.

Yet perhaps most impressively, Eze couples attacking flair with defensive work rate, ranking in the 89th percentile for ball recoveries (5.08 per 90).

This balance makes him even more suited to the modern game than Dele was at his peak.

It is that intangible element, however, that truly links them: the ability to produce magic from nothing.

Spurs fans remember Alli’s flick and volley against Crystal Palace in 2016 as symbolic of his spontaneity.

Eze carries that same aura, with his solo runs and big-moment strikes for Palace often deciding matches that looked beyond reach.

Tottenham’s squad overhaul has been extensive. Kudus will bring goals, while Savinho, should he also arrive, would add width and pace.

But neither quite fit the mould of a player who dictates the rhythm of play in the final third.

With Maddison ruled out, the reliance on structured build-up could see Spurs become predictable, especially against teams who sit deep. Eze offers the antidote: directness, ingenuity, and a fearless approach.

At 27, he is entering his prime years, combining the experience of top-flight football with the hunger of a player eager to prove himself on the biggest stage.

Crystal Palace will be reluctant to sell, but the financial strength and Champions League football on offer at Spurs makes the move appealing for both club and player.

If the deal goes through, Eze could become the face of a new Tottenham era, a creative leader in the mould of Dele, but with his own unique brand of flair.

Tottenham Hotspur are now eyeing a shock move for a £23m defender, who Thomas Frank is well-known to be an admirer of, according to a report.

Spurs keen to bring in more depth at centre-back

Tottenham are blessed with some fantastic options at centre-back, with Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero being given the nod against Burnley on Saturday afternoon, and the duo played their part by keeping a clean sheet in the 3-0 victory.

However, Ange Postecoglou was left light on options in defence last season, with both Van de Ven and Romero spending time on the sidelines due to injury, meaning Frank may be keen to bring in another centre-back as a back-up option.

Luka Vusakovic finally completed his move to north London earlier this summer, but the Croatian is still only 18-years-old, and there have been suggestions that Frank would be willing to sanction the youngster leaving on a loan deal.

As such, it would make sense to bring in an older defender, who has experience in the Premier League, and the Lilywhites have now joined the race for one of Frank's former players.

That is according to a report from The Daily Mail, which states Tottenham are now eyeing a shock move for Brentford's Nathan Collins, who joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £23m on a six-year deal back in 2023.

As a result, the Bees are likely to be in a strong negotiating position, and they may be highly reluctant to sell, having named Collins as their captain earlier this summer.

Frank is said to be an admirer of the defender, having spent time working with him at the Gtech Community Stadium, although the Danish coach could be hesitant to sanction a move, given that he still holds a lot of respect for his former club.

Collins could be ideal signing for Tottenham

Tottenham's well-documented injury problems meant they were left extremely short on centre-back options last season, with the likes of Ben Davies and Archie Gray receiving more game time than they'd perhaps envisaged.

However, with Davies' contract set to expire next summer, and Gray still in the infancy of his career, Spurs could do with bringing in a more dependable back-up option, and the Brentford captain certainly fits the bill in that regard.

The 24-year-old is now very experienced at Premier League level, having featured in every single game for Brentford last season, during which time the Irishman also managed to impress Frank, who described him as a "natural leader".

Collins featured for the most minutes of any outfield player in the Premier League in the 2024-25 campaign, and with Tottenham in need of a deeper squad ahead of a Champions League campaign, he could be a fantastic addition to Frank's squad.

A "relentless" star has now informed his club that he wants to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer, reporter David Ornstein has revealed.

Tottenham keen to strengthen attack despite emphatic victory

Tottenham got off to the perfect start to the new Premier League campaign, securing a 3-0 victory over Burnley, courtesy of a brace from Richarlison, before Brennan Johnson sealed all three points with a little over 25 minutes to play.

Thomas Frank will be happy with his side's attacking display, not least because new signing Mohammed Kudus was also very impressive throughout the match, with the former West Ham United man picking up two assists.

That said, Spurs were always expected to beat a newly-promoted side, and they remain a little light on options in attacking areas, given that Son Heung-min's 10-year stint in north London came to an end earlier this summer, while James Maddison is set for a lengthy absence.

Consequently, Frank is still eager to get a winger and attacking midfielder through the door, with Manchester City's Savinho among the main targets out wide, while Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze could be a direct replacement for Maddison through the middle.

Speaking prior to Manchester United vs Arsenal yesterday, Ornstein has now dropped a new update on Tottenham's pursuit of Eze, in which he suggests Frank's side are in ongoing talks to hash out a deal.

The reporter said: "He quite possibly is still going to Tottenham, but he's continuing to play for Palace in the meantime, which we saw with the Community Shield as well. Tottenham are pushing for his signing, but there's no agreement yet. Eberechi Eze has told Crystal Palace that he would like to make the move there, and Palace are understanding of this.

"At 27-years-old, his contract expires in 2027. There was a release clause, it's now expired, it was valued at £60m + £8m (£68m). I think Palace would accept a bit less but they want the right deal for them, and it's not there yet."

Fabrizio Romano has since added a new update, reaffirming Ornstein's claims of Eze wanting to join but adding Daniel Levy is talking to Palace chairman Steve Parish "today" (Monday).

"Relentless" Eze could flourish at N17

The Crystal Palace star has been extremely impressive in the Premier League over a sustained period, picking up 16 goal contributions in the competition last season, and the Englishman thought he had gotten off to the perfect start to the new campaign.

Indeed, the 27-year-old scored a free-kick to fire the Eagles into the lead against Chelsea on Sunday, before the goal was controversially ruled out, due to an alleged infringement by Marc Guehi.

Former Palace man Joel Ward has claimed his ex-teammate's "methodical" and "relentless" approach is the reason he has been able to establish himself at the top level, and the attacking midfielder is now ready to test himself at one of England's biggest clubs.

As such, it is good news that Tottenham are in ongoing discussions over a deal, and it is even more promising that Eze has informed Palace of his desire to join Frank's side.

Tottenham Hotspur’s summer has been anything but quiet.

After a rollercoaster 2023/24 season that saw them lift the Europa League trophy while only narrowly avoiding relegation with a 17th-place league finish, the club’s leadership took the controversial decision to part ways with Ange Postecoglou.

In his place, Brentford’s Thomas Frank has been handed the reins, charged with overseeing a rebuild that balances European competition with the demands of the Premier League.

Key players have come and gone in recent months. Club legend Son Heung-min brought the curtain down on a decade of service, heading to LAFC, while West Ham’s Mohamed Kudus arrived in North London for £60m to inject fresh attacking quality.

More recently, Spurs have moved closer to finalising a big-money deal for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, set to beat rivals Arsenal to his signature.

The 27-year-old England international is seen as a natural creative replacement after James Maddison was ruled out for the season with an ACL injury.

But Frank and the Spurs hierarchy know that one player alone cannot transform their attacking play.

Spurs eyeing La Liga star

Eze’s flair and invention will be vital, but Spurs remain determined to add further options before the window closes.

With Manchester City’s Savinho also linked, the North London club are actively scouring the market for players who can offer versatility, directness, and a final-third threat.

Among the names discussed internally, one winger in particular has emerged as a serious target.

According to reports from Spain, Tottenham are considering a move for Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo, with claims suggesting they are weighing up a €70m (£60m) bid to secure his signature.

The Japan international has become one of La Liga’s standout wide players in recent years, described by journalist Kiyan Sobhani as an “offensive menace.”

Still only 24 years old, Kubo is tied down to Sociedad until 2029, but tensions between player and club have grown.

He has voiced frustration with president Jokin Aperribay’s management, publicly criticising the lack of squad investment and the absence of reinforcements needed to challenge for Champions League qualification.

His concerns were sharpened after Sociedad slumped to 11th last season, watching bitter Basque rivals Athletic Club celebrate a top-four finish. Despite this, manager Sergio Francisco has insisted that Kubo remains central to his plans.

Nevertheless, the winger is reportedly open to leaving and views the Premier League as the ideal next step in his career.

Interest from other Premier League sides - including West Ham and Everton - has been noted, but Spurs’ financial power and Champions League football give them an edge.

How Kubo and Eze could transform Spurs

Should Spurs complete the double swoop of Eze and Kubo, they would boast two of the most dynamic attacking midfielders in the league - players who thrive on creativity, dribbling, and unlocking defences.

Both possess the rare ability to make something out of nothing, and their numbers suggest they could be highly complementary in Frank’s system. Looking at their best seasons at club level, the data is telling.

Kubo averaged 4.32 progressive carries per 90 in 2022/23, compared to Eze’s 2.40 last season.

This demonstrates Kubo’s tendency to drive the ball forward aggressively from wide areas, while Eze excels in advancing possession through passing.

He averaged 3.37 progressive passes per 90, significantly higher than Kubo’s 2.99.

Together, they could provide balance: one primarily advancing with the ball at his feet, the other through vision and distribution.

Passing efficiency is similar, with Kubo completing 71% and Eze 74.2%, while both ranked highly in terms of creating danger.

Eze’s 4.69 shot-creating actions per 90 underline his playmaking pedigree, while Kubo produced a healthy 3.55.

In terms of dribbling, both are capable: Eze attempted 2.33 successful take-ons per 90, slightly above Kubo’s 1.81, but the Japan international had more overall carries (31.0 vs. 29.2) and more touches in the attacking third (27.2 vs. 20.7).

In other words, while Eze is more of a central orchestrator who combines creativity with goal threat - as shown by his 14 goals and 11 assists last season - Kubo offers relentless forward momentum from the wings, stretching defences and providing service into the box.

Between them, they could supply a constant stream of chances to Richarlison and Solanke, while also chipping in with goals themselves.

Comparisons have already been made between Eze and a young Dele Alli - a player once valued at £90m for his blend of skill, vision, and goalscoring instincts.

The financial outlay would be significant, but with Champions League football secured and the club eager to back Frank, there is a clear sense of ambition.

In a summer that began with disappointment over Postecoglou’s dismissal, Spurs are now building momentum.

If they can land both Eze and Kubo, Tottenham’s supporters may soon find themselves watching one of the most exciting attacking duos in Europe - a partnership capable of reviving the magic that once made the Lilywhites a feared force in the final third.

Tottenham Hotspur are now willing to make a huge offer for an "incredible" £80m forward, who is now "keen" on a move to north London this summer, it has been revealed.

Spurs remain keen on new winger after losing Son Heung-min

Son Heung-min made the extremely difficult decision to leave Tottenham this summer, making the move to LAFC, and the South Korean has gotten off to a fantastic start in the MLS, recently picking up his first assist.

It was arguably the right time to cash-in on Son, given that the Spurs legend is now 33-years-old, and Brennan Johnson has proven he could be up to the task of being the long-term replacement at left-wing, scoring against Burnley on Saturday afternoon.

However, with Son leaving, and James Maddison set to miss the majority of the campaign due to an ACL injury, Thomas Frank is light on options in attacking areas, and remains keen on adding another winger to his squad.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Savinho's agents are trying to get a move to north London over the line, and there has now been a new update on Tottenham's pursuit of the Manchester City winger.

According to a report from Spain, Spurs are now willing to make a new offer for the Brazilian, having already had a £60m bid knocked back, and there is a feeling that a deal could be possible.

While City are keen to keep hold of the winger, they could be tempted to cash-in if an 'irresistible' offer arrives, with Pep Guardiola's side valuing the 21-year-old at the £70m - £80m mark.

Fabrizio Romano has also revealed the youngster is "keen" on a move to north London, with talks still ongoing.

"Incredible" Savinho could be ideal Son heir

It is little wonder Man City are hesitant to sell the young winger, given that he is held in very high regard by Guardiola, who waxed lyrical about the forward after impressing against Leicester City last season.

The City boss said: "He’s a guy who can play on both sides, today he finally scored a goal. He has an incredible ability and quality he’s proven in that period."

The Brazil international is also fantastic at dribbling and providing assists, indicating that he could be the ideal option to replace Son at left-wing.

The only thing that Savinho needs to improve is his end product, having averaged just 0.08 non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, despite an xG of 0.25 per 90, and if the starlet is able to rectify that aspect of his game, he could be a fantastic signing for Tottenham.

Thomas Frank could not have wished for a better first Premier League game in charge of Tottenham Hotspur against Burnley at home on Saturday.

A newly-promoted team coming away to Spurs on the opening day was always likely to work in the home team's favour, given that the last six teams to come up have all gone straight back down, and that is how it played out.

Richarlison was given the nod ahead of Dominic Solanke in the centre-forward position and showcased his potential as a number nine for Frank with two terrific goals, including an overhead kick.

The Brazil international will be hoping to stay fit and kick on as the main man for goals for Spurs in the Frank era, having started the season with a bang.

Richarlison was not the only player who caught the eye with an impressive performance against the Clarets on Saturday, though, as Mohammed Kudus put in a fantastic display.

Spurs signed the Ghana international from Premier League rivals West Ham United for a fee of £55m earlier this summer, and he has already shown the supporters a glimpse of what to expect from him.

What Mohammed Kudus can bring to Spurs this season

The former Ajax starlet lined up on the right of the front three, with Richarlison in the middle and Brennan Johnson on the left, and caused Burnley endless problems at the top end of the pitch.

Kudus was a constant threat with the ball at his feet and got supporters out of their seats with his direct and aggressive play on the ball, which helped him to create both of Richarlison's goals.

His second assist, for Richarlison's overhead kick, was particularly eye-catching. The winger brilliantly beat the defender with a sharp touch on the outside and provided a sublime cross with his weaker right foot to tee up the striker for the stunning finish.

As you can see in the table above, the £55m signing enjoyed a terrific debut against Scott Parker's team by creating a whopping five chances for his side in 85 minutes on the pitch.

Kudus only delivered three assists and averaged one key pass per game in the Premier League last season for West Ham, per Sofascore, which may suggest that the Hammers were not getting the best out of the left-footed star.

After also creating three chances in the Super Cup against PSG, per Sofascore, the 25-year-old star could be expected to provide creativity for Spurs on a regular basis down the right flank this season in Frank's system.

It is down to Frank to ensure that the team is getting Kudus in the right positions to keep up that level of creativity, though, and the club's latest transfer target could help with that.

Spurs have shown interest in Premier League full-back

According to The Boot Room, Tottenham Hotspur are one of a number of clubs to have shown an interest in Manchester City full-back Rico Lewis this summer.

The report claims that intermediaries have been tasked with reaching out to clubs, including Spurs, to let them know that the England international may be available.

Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Spurs have all been contacted by these intermediaries and, subsequently, shown an interest in the young defender.

The Boot Room adds that Lewis is considering his future at The Etihad, despite City wanting to offer him a new contract, and that he is set to hold talks with Pep Guardiola before the end of the month.

Forest - led by Evangelos Marinakis - have reportedly had an offer of £25.8m turned down by Manchester City, and it remains to be seen how much it would take for Spurs to get a deal done for the 20-year-old talent to bolster Frank's squad before the end of the summer transfer window.

Why Spurs should sign Rico Lewis

Tottenham should be pushing to get a deal done for Lewis ahead of the likes of Forest and Aston Villa because he could be a dream signing for Kudus down the right flank.

The City academy graduate primarily plays at right-back, although he can also play in midfield, and has the ability on the ball to be the player who provides the former West Ham man with the service he needs to be effective on a consistent basis.

Spurs, as aforementioned, need to make sure that Kudus consistently gets the ball in positions to make an impact in the final third, to ensure that he does not struggle in the same way that he did with the Hammers last season.

Lewis, who assisted Erling Haaland for a goal against Wolves on Saturday, is a young talent who possesses the qualities on the ball to make him an ideal partner for Kudus down the right side for Tottenham.

As you can see in the table above, the Manchester City youngster is more progressive and efficient with the ball at his feet than Pedro Porro, at least based on their respective statistics over the last 365 days.

These statistics suggest that Lewis, once dubbed "exceptional" by Guardiola, would be more likely to supply Kudus with the ball in advanced positions each game, providing the winger with even more opportunities to make things happen with the ball at his feet at the top end of the pitch.

The Spurs target also won 59% of his ground duels in the Premier League last season, whilst Porro won 53% of his, per Sofascore, which suggests that he also has the potential to be as strong, if not stronger, out of possession as a defender.

This may not seem like a big deal for Kudus, on the face of it, but if Lewis can prove himself to be a defensive upgrade on Porro, the Ghana international may not need to focus on his defensive duties as much, freeing him up to play higher up the pitch.

Overall, therefore, the England international could be a dream for Kudus because of the qualities that he could provide in and out of possession, which is why Spurs should be pushing to snap him up.

Tottenham Hotspur have now launched a move for a "world-class" Savinho alternative, having received the green light from Thomas Frank, according to a report.

Spurs keen on new winger after Son departure

With Son Heung-min completing a move to LAFC earlier this month, it is now imperative that Tottenham sign a new winger before the transfer deadline, and Manchester City's Savinho has emerged as one of their major targets.

Interestingly, there is now a feeling that a deal could be possible, despite Man City's reluctance to sanction a departure, with Fabrizio Romano revealing the Brazilian is eager to make the move to north London.

However, amid widespread reports suggesting City could look to hold out for a huge fee, there may be a temptation to move on to alternative targets, and Spurs have now set their sights on a La Liga winger.

Indeed, according to a report from Spain, Tottenham have now launched a move for Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo, having received the green light to pursue the Japanese winger from Frank.

Kubo is now on the Lilywhites' 'priority list', with Frank identifying the need to bring in a winger with good pace and vision, and there is a feeling the Sociedad star would be a perfect fit, although a deal could be on the expensive side.

Given that the 24-year-old is one of the Spanish club's most important players, they are unwilling to sanction a departure for less than €70m (£60m), but Spurs remain undeterred, and they are seriously considering paying the asking price.

"World-class" Kubo could be ideal Savinho alternative

With City seemingly playing hardball over Savinho, it would make sense for Frank to pursue an alternative option, and the Japan international has proven he could take Tottenham's attack to the next level.

Perhaps most notably, the Sociedad star has received very high praise from former Barcelona manager Xavi in the past, who said: "(Takefusa) Kubo is a world class footballer. Not just with the ball, but also without it."

The Kawasaki-born winger has also impressed in La Liga over a sustained time period, with his best return for Sociedad coming in the 2022-23 campaign.

There may be some concerns that Kubo wasn't exactly prolific last season, but as pointed out by Xavi, the 44-time Japan international also influences the game when out of possession, meaning he could be a solid alternative to Savinho.

Tottenham Hotspur centre-forward Richarlison started the season with a fire in his belly with a terrific performance against Burnley in front of his home supporters on Saturday.

The Brazil international scored two of the team's three goals in a 3-0 win over the Clarets in the first game of the Premier League season, including a spectacular finish from Mohammed Kudus' cross.

The number nine shirt is up for grabs under Thomas Frank and Richarlison's performance on Saturday suggests that he is ready to take it for himself.

Spurs signed Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth for £65m in an attempt to finally replace Harry Kane last summer, but he only scored nine goals from 10.97 xG in the Premier League in his first season at the club, per Sofascore.

The England international, who has only hit double figures for goals in one season in his top-flight career, may not be the clinical presence that Frank will want in the centre-forward position.

Richarlison, however, is a player who has the potential to be the main number nine for Spurs if he can remain fit and add more consistency to his all-round game.

Why Richarlison could be the main man for Spurs

The Brazilian striker has shown promise as a finisher at various points in his career in England, having, of course, played for Everton before his move to north London.

During his time at Goodison Park, Richarlison scored 43 goals from 41.85 xG across four seasons in the Premier League, per Understat. He also hit double figures for goals in three of those four campaigns, which speaks to both his ability as a regular goalscorer and a clinical finisher.

Since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, Richarlison has scored 17 goals from 14.77 xG for Spurs in the Premier League, per Understat, which is further evidence of his potential as a clinical striker for Spurs.

The biggest hurdle between the striker and being the main man for Tottenham appears to be his fitness. He has missed far too many matches through injury in the last few seasons, particularly last term, and that has disrupted his progress in North London.

As you can see in the table above, Richarlison has missed a staggering 47 games through injury in the last two seasons at Spurs, and his durability is something that he needs to work on.

If the 28-year-old marksman can find a way to be available week-in-week-out for Tottenham, he has shown that he has the finishing ability to a consistent and strong goal threat in the Premier League.

Strikers need service, though, and that was shown during the Harry Kane and Heung-min Son era. The duo combined for the most goals (47) as a pairing in Premier League history, with both players teeing each other up for goals on a regular basis.

Spurs planning bid for new winger

Richarlison will need his own version of Son, to score the level of goals that Kane did for Spurs, and the club are trying to sign a player who could be that creative force for the Brazilian.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham Hotspur remain in talks over a deal to sign Manchester City winger Savinho before the end of the summer transfer window.

The reporter claims that Spurs are planning to make a new offer for the Brazil international, after their first bid was turned down by the Premier League giants.

Romano states that the left-footed star, who has spent one season at The Etihad so far, 'remains keen' on a transfer to link up with Frank's squad this summer.

It has been reported that City are holding out for a fee in the region of £69m for the attacker, but it remains to be seen whether or not the latest offer planned by Spurs will be enough to tempt them into cashing in on Savinho.

Why Savinho would be a dream for Richarlison

The Manchester City winger could be Richarlison's own version of Heung-min Son because of the level of creativity that he can provide on the right wing.

As per Transfermarkt, Son delivered 101 assists in ten seasons with Spurs, so roughly ten per year on average. This meant that he provided a consistent source of creativity down the flank to ensure that Kane never went long without a chance to find the back of the net.

Savinho's first two seasons with more than 20 first-team appearances, in the last two campaigns, have yielded 20 assists for Manchester City and Girona combined, per Sofascore, which is an average of ten per year.

This suggests that Spurs would be signing a star with the potential to be as creative for the club as Son was at the height of his powers alongside Kane at the top end of the pitch.

Savinho, who was described as a "live wire" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, created a whopping 32 'big chances' for his teammates in the last two seasons in all competitions, registering 20 assists from those opportunities, per Sofascore.

As you can see in the table above, the 21-year-old dynamo ranked incredibly highly among his positional peers in the Premier League in a host of creative metrics.

He racked up 6.10 xA and created 11 'big chances' in 21 Premier League starts for City, per Sofascore. Meanwhile, no Spurs player created more than 5.91 xA and only Son (16) created more than ten 'big chances' for the team.

This suggests that Savinho has the creative quality and Premier League performances under his belt to come in as the creator-in-chief for Frank this season. He is a proven performer with plenty of time, at the age of 21, to get even better under the manager's coaching, and could hit the ground running in North London.

Therefore, the £69m-rated wing wizard could be the Son to Richarlison's Kane if the club are able to get a deal over the line for him, as he has the ability to create the chances the striker needs to be a prolific scorer for the Lilywhites.

Tottenham Hotspur kicked off the Thomas Frank era in the Premier League with a terrific 3-0 win over Burnley in front of their own supporters on Saturday.

It was an almost-perfect start to the manager's tenure in North London, thanks to two goals from Richarlison and a neat finish from Brennan Johnson.

The former Brentford boss will be particularly pleased with the impact that new signing Mohammed Kudus made out wide, as the winger set up two of the three goals with brilliant play on the wing.

It was Richarlison who produced the standout moment in the match, however, as the Brazil international wonderfully found the back of the net with an overhead kick finish to put himself in contention for goal of the season on matchday one.

Despite the 3-0 win, Frank will know that there is plenty more work to be done to improve the team, particularly when it comes to creativity in the middle of the park.

James Maddison (seven) was the only central midfielder in the squad who managed more than two assists in the Premier League last season, which speaks to the lack of creativity in that area of the pitch.

Why Spurs need more creativity in their team

The Lilywhites need to bring in a new star who can provide a creative spark from a central midfield position to take the team to the next level offensively, particularly in the big games against the best teams.

In the 2024/25 campaign, Ange Postecoglou's central midfield options simply did not create enough from midfield. Maddison, as aforementioned, was the only player who could be relied upon to create chances, and he played in attacking positions as well as in the middle of the park.

As you can see in the table above, the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, and Yves Bissouma offered very little when it came to creating quality opportunities for their teammates in the Premier League.

This is why the Europa League champions should be in the market to find their next Christian Eriksen before the end of the transfer window, as the Danish magician was a creative wizard during his time at the club.

The Denmark international delivered 88 assists in 305 appearances in all competitions for Spurs, per Transfermarkt, and hit double figures for assists in five seasons.

Eriksen often played as a central or attacking midfielder for Tottenham and consistently provided quality at the top end of the pitch with his inventive passing to create chances for his teammates on a regular basis.

Spurs now need to find their next version of the former Manchester United maestro, and the club are reportedly moving closer to signing a similar type of midfield talent.

Spurs closing in on Premier League midfielder

According to Miguel Delaney, Tottenham Hotspur are close to agreeing a deal to sign Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze to bolster their squad.

The reporter claims that the Lilywhites are looking at a fee of around £55m, plus further add-ons, to convince the Eagles to part ways with the midfield star, but there is no agreement in place yet.

It had been claimed by The Telegraph that the England international was set to be absent from the Palace squad for their clash with Chelsea on Sunday, but the playmaker showcased his professionalism by blocking out the noise to play for his current club.

Journalist Jack Rosser noted that talks are 'advancing' with Spurs over a deal to sign Eze, backing up Delaney's claim of a move being close, but added that the midfielder wanted to play for the Eagles rather than watch on from the sidelines against the Blues.

It is now down to Tottenham to clear the final hurdle to finalise an agreement with Oliver Glasner's side to bring the 27-year-old over to North London before the end of the window.

Why Spurs need Eberechi Eze

Eze was once described as a "magician" in midfield by pundit Micah Richards. A magician in midfield is now exactly what Spurs need to bolster their team, which is why they need to seal a deal for the Palace star.

The England international is a versatile star, who can play in central midfield, attacking midfield, or as a winger, and is a proven performer in the Premier League who could come in to hit the ground running for Frank.

Eze has hit double figures for goals in each of the last three seasons in all competitions for Palace, per Sofascore, including 14 in the 2024/25 campaign, which shows that he can make a significant impact as a goalscorer.

It is his creativity, though, that could make him Frank's own version of Eriksen, after a haul of 12 assists and 17 'big chances' created for the FA Cup winners last season.

As you can see in the table above, Eze ranked highly among his positional peers in the Premier League when it came to creating chances for his teammates.

These statistics, along with his 'big chances' created and assist tally, show that the 27-year-old star is the kind of creative midfielder that Spurs are currently lacking, particularly with Maddison out for a significant period of time with an ACL injury.

He has proven that he can create chances at an impressive rate from the middle of the park in the Premier League, whilst also carrying a big threat as a goalscorer, which suggests that the quality is there for him to be Frank's own version of Eriksen.

At the age of 27, Eze is also in the prime years of his career and Tottenham could be signing him at the perfect time, as he has found consistency in his play in the final third, as shown by his terrific output last term.

Tottenham Hotspur have now been in contact over a deal to sign a "special" England international alongside Eberechi Eze, according to a report.

Spurs keen on signing two England internationals

Tottenham are now well-placed to win the race for Eberechi Eze, despite well-documented interest from north London rivals Arsenal, with Fabrizio Romano revealing the Crystal Palace attacking midfielder is keen on sealing a move very soon.

Former Spurs man Teddy Sheringham believes the Palace star could make a real impact in north London, saying: "I think Eze is definitely one of those who would walk into Tottenham Hotspur and think ‘this is a proper place, I’m going to enjoy playing my football here’. I think he can shine the way Eric Cantona did when he went to Man United all those years ago."

After missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White, it would be fantastic if the Lilywhites were able to get a deal for Eze over the line, but the 27-year-old is not the only England international of interest to the north Londoners...

Indeed, according to a report from The Boot Room, Tottenham have now been contacted by intermediaries over a deal for Manchester City's Rico Lewis, and they have expressed interest in signing the right-back.

However, there may be a great deal of competition for Lewis' signature, with a number of other Premier League clubs named as potential suitors, such as Aston Villa, Brighton, Everton and Nottingham Forest, and the latter club have reportedly made a bid in excess of £25m.

There is also a chance the full-back will remain at the Etihad Stadium, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey adding: "Rico Lewis is very happy at Manchester City and is getting minutes, but his camp and intermediaries have made him aware of other options.

"Talks in the next week or so will decide whether he is going to stay at City or not."

"Special" Lewis has huge future ahead

The Bury-born defender has established himself as a first-team regular at Man City, and he got off to a flying start to the season on Saturday, picking up an assist in his side's 4-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Statman Dave has also singled out the 20-year-old in the past, lauding him for a fantastic performance against Spurs in the 2022-23 campaign.