Football FanCast

Tottenham Hotspur are running out of time to bring a new playmaker to N17, with the transfer cut off fast approaching in just four days' time.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank, at one stage, appeared set to head into 2025/2026 boasting both James Maddison and Morgan Gibbs-White as his number 10 options.

However, a disastrous chain of events, including an ACL rupture for Maddison, resulted in the Dane having neither England international to choose from.

Gibbs-White's blocked move to north London, with the 25-year-old eventually signing a new deal instead, was made all the more embarrassing for Daniel Levy when Arsenal hijacked their once very advanced deal for alternative Eberechi Eze.

Following two public transfer humiliations, Levy and Frank are back to the drawing board, searching for another ideal signing to bolster that area of the squad.

A lot of noise in the last 48 hours has surrounded a potential swoop for West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta as one intriguing option, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that contact has been made.

"I confirm my information I gave you last night on Lucas Paqueta," said Romano on his YouTube channel.

"Tottenham had new contacts today with the agents of Lucas Paqueta, and Paqueta is an option being considered by Tottenham for the No.10 position. Paqueta is open to leaving West Ham, as I told you days ago.

"Tottenham are considering this move for Paqueta. It's not something imminent or something close, but Paqueta is an option. They made contact to understand the details of the deal for the Brazilian. Paqueta also has some interest from Saudi Arabia, but his priority would be Europe."

Another name gaining traction is that of RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, who was thought to be on the verge of joining Chelsea.

The Dutchman has already agreed terms over a move to Stamford Bridge, according to reliable media sources, but both Leipzig and Chelsea are still yet to reach a full agreement.

The west Londoners are also looking to offload both Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku first, due to a complex settlement with UEFA that demands they sell certain players to balance out the squad.

Tottenham hold talks over bid for Xavi Simons

According to The Telegraph, Tottenham are holding talks over a bid for Simons as they look to potentially hijack Chelsea's deal for the 22-year-old.

Valued at around £60 million - a similar fee to what Spurs were prepared to pay for both Gibbs-White and Eze - this deal appears like a feasible one to do. Leipzig have also confirmed to German news outlet BILD that Simons has been allowed to discuss a transfer away, opening the door for Frank's side to rival Chelsea.

Matt Law of The Telegraph also reports that, despite the attacker's fondness for Chelsea, there is optimism that he'd be open to joining Tottenham as well.

Leipzig made Simons their highest-ever paid player on a contract worth £192,000-per-week earlier this year, showing just how highly-rated he is, with Football Transfers also calling him a 'similar' player to Maddison.

Last season, the former PSG sensation bagged 11 goals and eight assists over 33 appearances in all competitons, and the Netherlands international is only likely to get even better as he matures.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is still looking to bolster Spurs' attacking ranks before the transfer deadline in four days' time, and given their previous luck this window, it wouldn't be surprising to see them scrambling till the eleventh hour.

Thomas Frank watched on as his side failed to secure the signings of Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, both in spectacular fashion.

Gibbs-White saw his once-advanced move to N17 blocked by Nottingham Forest, who wrote a letter to Spurs threatening legal action, as weeks of back and forth between the clubs ensued before the 25-year-old signed a new contract regardless.

Meanwhile, Tottenham were convinced they'd land Eze at one stage - having agreed personal terms with the player and the finances of a deal with Crystal Palace - only for Arsenal to swoop in and hijack the transfer.

Their need for a number 10 is glaring, having lost both Dejan Kulusevski to a knee injury earlier this year and James Maddison to an ACL rupture in pre-season.

At one point, Frank was planning to head into 25/26 with a fully fit Maddison and Gibbs-White, only to now have neither. In an ideal world, it's been reported that the Dane would like two new playmakers (Gary Jacob), but that scenario looks near-impossible barring a last-gasp miracle.

In terms of who they could bring in, Spurs are in the market for a new centre-back, number 10 and a winger.

One of the playmakers on their radar is West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta, and the Hammers are reportedly open to selling, if their asking price is met, and they can source a replacement (Paul O'Keefe).

The Brazil international would be Spurs' second signing of the window from their London rivals after a £55m deal for Mohammed Kudus, which also ended an unofficial transfer embargo between the two clubs spanning 14 years.

Tottenham offered Yves Bissouma in swap deal for Lucas Paqueta

According to TBR Football and journalist Graeme Bailey, Levy and the Spurs recruitment team actually made a unique proposal for Paqueta recently, involving Galatasaray-linked Yves Bissouma.

Bailey reports that Tottenham offered Bissouma in a direct swap deal for the Brazil international, and the talks centered around Paqueta going the other way on a straight loan.

Bissouma also would've departed for the London Stadium on a dry temporary deal, but it is believed that negotiations didn't progress to the final details and the Mali international has now agreed to join Galatasaray instead.

According to other reports, West Ham want £60 million to part company with Paqueta, so Spurs will need to head back to the negotiating table.

It’s very rare in the modern professional game that footballers can spend a decade at the same club, but Heung-min Son managed just that for Tottenham Hotspur.

The South Korean joined the Lilywhites from Bayer Leverkusen back in the summer of 2015 as an unknown quantity to many supporters, but it’s safe to say he’s made a name for himself in the present day.

The winger racked up over 450 appearances between 2015 and 2025, scoring 173 times, which ranks him fourth in the club’s all-time goalscoring charts.

He even led the side to Europa League glory last campaign, captaining Ange Postecoglou’s men as they ended their 17-year trophy drought with a 1-0 win over Manchester United - a game which was his final competitive outing for the Lilywhites.

Son would leave the side this summer in a £20m deal, subsequently joining MLS outfit LAFC, leaving new boss Thomas Frank with the mammoth task of replacing the fan-favourite.

Spurs’ hunt to replace Heung-min Son this summer

A new left-winger has been a priority for Spurs and Frank this summer, which saw them target a move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo earlier this summer.

The Lilywhites were reportedly in talks with the LaLiga giants over a potential move for the Brazilian international, but their £86m asking price appears to currently be out of their range.

However, another name has emerged on their shortlist in recent days, with RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons the club’s latest target, according to German outlet BILD.

They claim that Frank’s men have made enquiry over the last few days, looking to gain more information about a potential move for the 22-year-old, who scored 11 times last season.

It’s also been reported that Chelsea remain in advanced talks with the Dutch international over a move to Stamford Bridge, but the Lilywhites could strike late and look to hijack the £60m deal.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s own Son

As previously mentioned, Son was a real fan-favourite during his decade-long spell at Spurs - catching the eye, whether that be in a number ten or wide left role.

He was often capable of producing a moment of magic that gave the supporters the opportunity to get off their seats - a quality every fan wants in forwards who are employed by their club.

Arguably, his best goal came against Burnley back in December 2019, picking the ball up near his own 18-yard box before driving past countless opponents and eventually slotting home into the bottom corner.

Frank has the near-impossible task of replacing the South Korean in the final days of the window, needing to land a player who can develop into a similar talent in the years ahead.

Such a hunt may have led them to Simons, with the Dutchman possessing a lot of similarities to Son, before his own move to North London way back in 2015.

The Leipzig star is a year younger than the former Leverkusen talent when he joined the Lilywhites, whilst also being able to operate centrally or out wide, despite his tender age.

Frank’s men would also be landing a talent from the Bundesliga, just like they did with Son, with Simons managing to outperform the winger in key areas last season.

The Dutch star, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by Luka Modrić, registered more progressive passes per 90, with more of his attempts going into the final third - showcasing the creative nature he possesses with the ball at his feet.

However, he’s also managed to find the back of the net alone, posting a higher goal per shot on target rate, with such a tally making him a clinical option and aiding Frank’s hunt for new attackers.

Simons’ creativity is further highlighted by his ability to get into dangerous areas when in possession, completing more take-ons per 90, alongside more carries into the final third.

Such numbers allow him to breeze past the opposition before either going alone or having the tools to provide players around him the chance to improve their own tallies.

£60m would be a hefty figure, but they would be getting themselves a player who can emulate the success endured by Son - potentially being a bargain if he can reach the South Korean’s levels.

Chelsea’s interest in the Dutchman means they will have to work quickly to avoid missing out on his signature, potentially completing a hijack of their own in the closing stages of the window.

Over the last couple of years, Tottenham Hotspur have parted ways with numerous top-level forwards who constantly produced the goods during their time at the club.

Harry Kane rose through the youth levels in North London, eventually making over 400 appearances for the Lilywhites - netting 280 goals - the highest individual tally in their history.

However, he would depart the side back in the summer of 2023, leaving in a £82m deal to join German outfit Bayern Munich - with his legacy forever intact despite his departure.

Heung-min Son is another who has moved on to pastures new, joining LAFC this summer, ending his decade spell in the capital, which saw him and Kane break the record for the most combined goals between two players in Premier League history (47).

Losing such talents makes the job of replacing them a near-impossible one, but new boss Thomas Frank continues to hunt for added reinforcements ahead of his first season at the helm.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new attackers this summer

Savinho has been one of Spurs’ biggest targets over the last few weeks, with the hierarchy even submitting a £60m bid to try and land the Manchester City winger.

Such an offer was rejected, with further talks being held, but it now seems unlikely the 21-year-old will move to North London, with Pep Guardiola’s side wanting to keep hold of him beyond Monday’s deadline.

However, another name has entered the mix over recent days, with Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo reemerging on their shortlist, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

He recently claimed that the Lilywhites have “made some calls” to the Cherries over a deal for the Ghanaian, who penned a new contract until 2030 earlier this summer.

Romano also stated Frank’s side have stepped up their interest in the “last 24 hours”, but could have to fork out as much as £60m for the 25-year-old, who’s already scored twice in 2025/26.

Why Spurs’ latest target is just like Eze

Spurs’ hunt for a new forward has been a summer-long process, with numerous players constantly on their radar - including Eberechi Eze before his move to boyhood club, Arsenal.

The Lilywhites held constant discussions with Crystal Palace over a deal to land the England international - leading to terms being agreed between the two sides.

However, given Spurs’ inability to close other deals this summer, it was a surprise to no one to see a deal fail to cross the line, with the Lilywhites’ North London rivals swooping in at the 11th hour.

It was confirmed last weekend that the 27-year-old had joined Mikel Arteta’s side for a fee in the region of £67.5m, including add-ons, subsequently putting a huge dent in Frank’s ambitions of improving his front line.

Such a blow could be softened, especially if a deal for Semenyo gets completed before Monday’s transfer deadline, with the forward possessing numerous similarities to Eze.

He’s spent the last two and a half years at the Vitality, joining the Cherries from Championship side Bristol City - just as Eze did, when he linked up with the Eagles from QPR back in the summer of 2020.

However, despite their similarities, Semenyo, who’s also an Arsenal fan, managed to outperform him in numerous key areas last campaign - potentially offering Frank a versatile option across his front line in 2025/26.

The Ghanaian achieved a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate in the Premier League last season, a tally that could provide the new boss with the added ammunition he’s been craving within the final third.

Semenyo’s goalscoring ability is one thing, but he’s also showcased his superb technique to glide past the opposition - completing more take-ons than Eze, whilst also making over double the number of carries into the opposition box per 90.

Such numbers would allow him to be a hit with the supporters, able to create an opportunity for himself out of nothing, before firing home and bolstering the side’s already potent attack.

However, he’s also able to be a provider, notching more passes into the opposition box per 90, with such a tally able to allow the likes of Richarlison the chance to build on their own impressive start to 2025/26.

£60m would be a huge sum spent on a new attacker, but it’s one that could prove to be a bargain if the forward can take his game to the next level in North London.

Missing out on Eze’s signature, especially to their main rivals, would have been a bitter blow, but it could prove to be a blessing in disguise if a deal can be reached for Semenyo.

It's difficult to remember when the mood in the Arsenal fanbase has been this positive.

While there are several reasons why, the most significant factor is undoubtedly Eberechi Eze's arrival.

The England international has been one of the most entertaining players in the Premier League for years, and just before their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur got their hands on him, the Gunners swooped in to bring him back to the Emirates.

Now with less than a week until the window closes, it looks like the club could be about to bring in another talented player in an Eze repeat.

Arsenal eye Eze repeat

While Arsenal have made a few signings from foreign leagues this summer, Andrea Berta and Co have made good use of the Premier League market as well.

On top of Eze, the Italian oversaw deals to sign Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea and then, staying in West London, a deal to sign Christian Norgaard from Brentford.

In years gone by, that would be more than enough business for the Gunners, but now it looks like they could be going back to the Bees for another star in an Eze-esque deal.

At least that is according to a recent report from Graeme Bailey, who has claimed that Arsenal are interested in Nathan Collins.

The journalist has revealed that the Brentford captain has caught the eye of several top sides this summer, and alongside Spurs, the Gunners are one of them.

While the West Londoners do want to sell the 24-year-old, who they signed for just £23m a couple of seasons ago, there are still six days left until the window closes, and therefore every chance the Gunners could pull off an Eze repeat.

Why signing Collins would be an Eze repeat

While Eze and Collins obviously play in totally different positions on the pitch, there are plenty of reasons why Arsenal signing the latter would mirror their deal for the former.

The first reason, and then one their fans will likely enjoy the most, is that it could be yet another example of them hijacking a move for a player Spurs want to sign.

Baliey's story makes it clear that one of the other sides currently most interested in the defender is the Lilywhites, and therefore, if the Gunners get in first, it'd give the fans yet more opportunity to gloat.

Another key similarity between the two is that both were, or are, in Collins' case, key players for a fellow London-based Premier League side.

For example, although he doesn't receive nearly as much media attention, the Irish titan is now Brentford's captain and has made 80 appearances for the club.

Moreover, he's not just earned the armband through his leadership skills, but also for the fact that he's an immense centre-back.

In fact, journalist Mario Marra has gone as far as dubbing him "one of the best defenders in the Premier League," and while that might sound somewhat hyperbolic, his underlying numbers suggest it might not be.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 1% of centre-backs in the Premier League last season for shots blocked, the top 3% for overall blocks, the top 4% for assists, the top 9% for shot-creating actions, the top 11% for aerial duels won and more, all per 90.

In other words, while he doesn't attract many headlines, the Bees star is an accomplished defender who excels at the basics and is more than adept at the technical aspects of the game.

Ultimately, from beating Spurs to another player, the team he currently plays for, and his overall quality, signing Collins would be something of an Eze repeat for Arsenal.

Tottenham remain in pursuit of an attacking midfielder before the transfer deadline in just five days time, after missing out on high-profile deals for Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze.

The situation is reaching a critical stage, and despite Thomas Frank's excellent start to life at Spurs, the Dane is very unlikely to make a success of his first season in charge if he doesn't bring in much-needed reinforcements - especially for his attack.

Dejan Kulusevski will remain out for the foreseeable future with a knee injury, and James Maddison is expected to miss a large portion of the 2025/2026 campaign after rupturing his ACL in pre-season.

This has left Frank with gaping holes in quality going forward, with Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge, among other reliable sources, reporting that Spurs ideally want to sign a winger, number 10 and a centre-back before the deadline next Monday.

"Spurs want to sign a No 10, a winger and a centre back ahead of the deadline," said Bridge recently.

"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."

Right now, Tottenham are believed to have made calls over the likes of Lucas Paqueta of West Ham and have even internally discussed Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo as late options.

"In the last 24/48 hours, Tottenham also made some calls for other players," said journalist Fabrizio Romano via his YouTube on Tuesday evening.

"They wanted to understand the situation of Lucas Paqueta at West Ham. Also a player they appreciate and they know very well, and was already a target, but now, obviously, it's late in the market, so it's going to be difficult, is Semenyo at Bournemouth. Another name mentioned internally at Tottenham in the last 24 hours, then soon it's going to be time to decide. Soon is going to be the time to make final decisions, attack and go for these new signings. But for sure, Tottenham will be busy again on the market. It's not over at all. So they are optimistic to find the solutions they want."

As well as these names, there are suggestions that Tottenham are registering an interest in Marseille midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

Tottenham make Adrien Rabiot approach after Marseille bust-up

According to ESPN, the 30-year-old former PSG and Juventus star was involved in a Marseille bust-up with teammate Jonathan Rowe last week during their 1-0 defeat to Rennes.

In the aftermath of this, his future under Roberto De Zerbi is now uncertain, and ESPN state that Tottenham have made an enquiry over signing Rabiot.

The France international played the majority of his matches as a number 10 last season, bagging 10 goals and six assists as he really picked up form in that role during the second half of 2024/2025.

He even captained Marseille against PSG, with reports claiming that Rabiot is available for hire at around £13 million.

Tottenham Hotspur’s hunt for a new attacking midfielder has been unsuccessful to date, with Thomas Frank unable to land any of his transfer targets in such a position.

The need for a new attacking option in the role was evident before the Dane’s arrival, but after injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, such a need has grown tenfold.

Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze have been the new manager’s main targets throughout this summer, but the former agreed a new deal at Nottingham Forest, whilst the latter joined North London rivals, Arsenal.

With less than a week remaining in the transfer window, owner Daniel Levy desperately needs to hand the manager the tools and money he needs to land the player he desires.

As a result of missing out on the aforementioned duo, the boss has turned his attention to various other targets, but the Lilywhites face a race against time to complete a deal for their signatures.

Spurs’ hunt for a new attacking midfielder this summer

Over recent days, Spurs have made their move to land Como star Nico Paz, stumping up a £61m offer to land the Argentine before the September 1st transfer deadline.

However, the offer was swiftly rejected by the Serie A outfit, with the player now expected to remain with his current employers for at least the 2025/26 campaign.

The youngster isn’t the only player currently in their sights, with West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta another target they’re eyeing, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The journalist confirmed that the Lilywhites have reached out to the Hammers to discuss a possible transfer, with talks seemingly heading in the right direction for the 27-year-old.

It has previously been reported that the Brazilian could be available for as little as £40m before the transfer deadline, potentially seeing Frank’s side land themselves a bargain transfer.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be perfect for Kudus

Despite failing to land a new attacking midfielder in recent weeks, Spurs have already conducted shrewd business in the transfer market to date - completing a deal for Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.

The hierarchy forked out £55m for the Ghanaian’s signature earlier this window, with such a figure seeming to be a bargain given his early-season form in North London.

He’s yet to find the back of the net for the Lilywhites, but has already racked up two assists in his first two league outings - with both coming in the 3-0 triumph over Burnley on the opening day.

However, he could also be aided in his attempts at the club if the hierarchy back manager Frank in the market, potentially landing a number ten who could provide Kudus with needed opportunities in front of goal.

A deal for Paqueta could see a reunion between the pair, after they operated together in the Hammers first team for two years - before Kudus joined Spurs this summer.

Any move could hand the new addition the platform for added success in North London, with the Brazilian’s figures from the 2024/25 season showcasing the creative threat he possesses.

Paqueta, who’s been labelled “one of the best 10s in the world” by one data analyst, ranked in the 94th percentile for through balls completed per 90 (0.7), whilst also ranking in the 81st percentile for passes into the final third (5.1).

Both tallies highlight his desire to break the lines and thread balls into dangerous areas, which could massively aid Kudus in trying to build on his impressive start to life under Frank.

He also achieved a pass accuracy rate of 78%, with 5.8 of his passes per 90 being described as progressive - further showcasing his ability to cause the opposition havoc at any given opportunity.

Paqueta has shown evidence that he’s capable of finding the back of the net himself, posting a goal-per-shot-on-target rate of 0.7 - which saw him rank in the top 6% of all players in England’s top-flight last season.

Kudus’ assist tally already this campaign could allow the big-money addition to return the favour to his former teammate in forward areas, should the Lilywhites hierarchy land the Brazilian.

The prospect of the pair linking up once again is certainly something for the Spurs fans to get excited about, with their partnership potentially playing a huge role in their potential success in 2025/26.

£40m would be a bargain transfer fee for Paqueta, subsequently landing a player with top-flight experience which could prove vital in any chances of Premier League title glory in the years ahead.

Tottenham Hotspur remain in the market for a new number 10 as we fast approach deadline day on September 1, and time is running out for chairman Daniel Levy to back manager Thomas Frank with a replacement for the injured James Maddison.

Spurs missed out on Eberechi Eze in spectacular fashion, despite believing that they were on the verge of signing the England international when Spurs agreed personal terms and verbally agreed a deal with Crystal Palace.

When Arsenal came knocking, all hopes of landing the 27-year-old were dashed, as the boyhood Gunners supporter was always going to choose a move to N5 when Mikel Arteta's side matched Tottenham's bid.

Now, after also missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White earlier in the summer, Tottenham are scrambling for a playmaker who can genuinely upgrade Frank's options - and their pool is running desperately thin.

Previously-linked target Tyler Dibling has just completed a move to Everton, so he's off the table, while an audacious late swoop for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers is looking increasingly unlikely.

“They started making some calls today to try to understand the situation for new players to add to their squads," said Fabrizio Romano a few days ago.

“One of the dream targets they have at Tottenham internally is Morgan Rogers at Aston Villa, but it is seen as a very difficult deal because Villa don’t want to lose the player.

“People in the industry believe that this deal is almost impossible for Morgan Rogers, but I can tell you Tottenham are thinking about him as a perfect candidate.”

Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche, Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott and Leicester City's Bilal El Khannouss are other names linked with a late move to N17, as is Como starlet Nico Paz, but a move for the latter is very difficult considering Real Madrid have buy-back options, matching rights and a 50 per cent sell-on clause - meaning he is basically a Bernabeu player in all but name.

Another last-gasp target, now backed up by broadcast giant talkSPORT, is West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

Tottenham eye late move for West Ham star Lucas Paqueta

The Brazil international is valued at around £60 million, and talkSPORT correspondent Alex Crook reports that Tottenham are considering a late move for Paqueta after also tempting Mohammed Kudus from east London earlier in the window.

However, after West Ham stood by him in the midst of his betting scandal allegations, it is believed that the 28-year-old isn't exactly clamoring to leave the London Stadium as things stand.

Graham Potter is also reluctant to lose him as his West Ham side struggled at the start of this Premier League season, but if Spurs make both the Hammers and Paqueta an offer too good to refuse, he could be an ideal signing.

The former Lyon star endured a difficult campaign last term, but was once on the cusp of a move to Man City after a stellar 2022/2023 campaign - a season where he provided the assist for Jarrod Bowen's historic Conference League-winning goal.

Despite making a 100% start to life in the Premier League as Tottenham Hotspur manager, Thomas Frank still wants to add to his squad to bolster the options at his disposal.

The Dane has already splashed £85m on new additions to date, with Mohammed Kudus the most-expensive signing - costing £55m from West Ham United.

The big-money addition of the Ghanaian has already proved worthwhile, notching two assists in the opening-day triumph over Burnley in North London.

Joao Palhinha has already been added to the ranks, bolstering the options at the heart of the side - already impressing just like Kudus - scoring in the victory over Manchester City at the Etihad.

However, other new arrivals are set to be added to the middle of Frank’s side to provide needed talent and depth, with the September 1st transfer deadline rapidly approaching.

Spurs’ hunt for a new midfielder this summer

In an attempt to bolster the midfield department, Spurs have been preparing a move for Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss - with the Moroccan set to leave the Foxes before the summer deadline.

It appeared as though he would be set for a move to Crystal Palace, but his transfer to the Eagles has collapsed in recent days - opening the door to a switch to North London.

However, another name has been thrown into the mix as of late, with Marseille star Adrien Rabiot a player in their sights, according to reports in France.

It states that the Lilywhites have entered preliminary talks with the player’s representatives over a move to North London after he was told he’s free to leave the Ligue 1 outfit after a changing room bust-up.

It’s also previously been reported that the Frenchman could be available for as little as €20m (£15m), with AC Milan and Aston Villa also interested in the former Juventus star’s signature.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s answer to Rice

Spurs fans would’ve raised eyebrows when local rivals Arsenal forked out a reported £105m to land midfielder Declan Rice back in the summer of 2023.

However, as hard as it is for the Lilywhites faithful to admit, he’s been a superb addition for the Gunners, notching 16 goals and 20 assists within his 105 outings at the Emirates.

The 26-year-old has been triumphant in six of his 17 appearances against the Lilywhites, often providing a real presence in the middle of the park in such meetings.

His box-to-box nature allows him to have a real impact on proceedings at both ends of the pitch - but if Frank was to land his own version of the Englishman, it would likely cost a pretty penny.

However, a bargain deal for Rabiot could allow the club to land their own version of Rice, with the Frenchman possessing various similar qualities to the former West Ham United star.

The Marseille star was labelled as a similar player to the Gunners star by FBref based on their figures from last season, managing to outperform him in numerous key areas in the process.

Rabiot, who’s been labelled “world-class” by former French star David Trezeguet, posted more combined goals and assists, offering the Lilywhites an added goalscoring threat if he replicates such numbers.

He also managed to impress in finding other teammates, notching a higher pass completion rate, with more of his efforts per 90 being into the final third - offering the likes of Kudus added opportunities in front of goal.

Without the ball, Rabiot has been just as dominant, achieving a higher tackle success rate, whilst also making more interceptions per 90 - arguably being a more all-round box-to-box option than Arsenal star, Rice.

Given the stats produced by the 30-year-old in the 2024/25 campaign, the rumoured £15m transfer fee would be an absolute bargain - possessing the needed Champions League experience for Frank’s side ahead of their European adventure.

If he can replicate such levels in England’s top-flight, the Frenchman would be a superb signing and one that can hand the manager his answer to Rice - and a bargain one at that.

Back in February, reports emerged that Arsenal were set to spend big this summer. It was alleged this would be an unprecedented transfer window.

Well, the Kroenke's have certainly put their money where their mouth is. This has indeed been a remarkable few months on the transfer front.

Having hired Andrea Berta to replace Edu in the early months of the year, the Italian has performed incredible work with regard to incomings.

The Gunners have added their elusive centre-forward at long last, welcoming Viktor Gyokeres to the Emirates Stadium.

They've signed back-up to Bukayo Saka in the form of Noni Madueke, they've replaced midfield departees with Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, while they've strengthened the rearguard too.

Cristhian Mosquera arrived in a bargain deal from Valencia and Piero Hincapie, providing Jakub Kiwior leaves, also looks poised to arrive in north London.

But, of course, the standout addition in recent weeks has been Eberechi Eze. Could we smell another repeat of that in the last six days of the window? It's unlikely, but there's another player lusting after signing for the club he supporters.

An Eze repeat for Arsenal

A week ago to the day, Berta completed a remarkable hijacking, one we've very rarely seen in the Premier League in recent years.

Eze was all set to sign for Tottenham Hotspur. The Crystal Palace playmaker had agreed personal terms and the Eagles were just putting the finishing touches on a deal with Spurs.

Yet, after a last-minute phone call with Mikel Arteta where Eze enquired about the possibility of signing for Arsenal, the decision makers met later that day and a deal was agreed by the evening.

It was a remarkable turn of events as the England international headed to the red side of the capital in a move worth an initial £60m.

This has been a brutal window for Spurs and should the Gunners conclude a move for Hincapie, it will have been another hijacking of sorts. Fabrizio Romano revealed that the Lilywhites had made a bid before their noisy neighbours came calling.

But, if Arsenal have their way, they could sign another Spurs target. Reports on Tuesday indicated that as Tottenham gear up for a busy end to the window, they have made calls to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

Valued as highly as £69m, this news is significant because, as is well-documented, Semenyo is a boyhood Arsenal fan like Eze.

"I am an Arsenal fan. I don’t conflict the two with my job. It is great to play against Arsenal, a team I have watched all my life and I want to play for the top clubs as well. In order for that to happen I need to prove it. The aim is to play in the Champions League. I know that’s not going to come with a click of my fingers, it’s going to take some time. It’s going to take goals. It’s going to take a lot of consistent performances. But I’ve worked all my life for that and I’m just going to continue working hard. That’s my mentality." - Semenyo

Earlier in the window it was reported that Semenyo was indeed keen on the idea of playing for Arsenal. So, why should they make a move?

Why Semenyo could be the new Saka for Arsenal

It must be stated that the idea of Arsenal signing another forward after Eze this summer is highly unlikely.

However, there are still some supporters who believe Arteta's side is lacking genuine quality on the flanks, Saka aside.

Eze might well take a role on the left side of the pitch but the jury remains out on fellow new signing, Madueke, while concerns have been held about Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard's inconsistent form for over a year now.

Martinelli, in particular, is a cause for concern. He's usually the first to be subbed and it was rather damning that he played zero minutes during Arsenal's 5-0 win over Leeds.

There has been talk of a move to Saudi this summer and if that did occur, it could well grant the Gunners the freedom to sign another forward, whether it be in the final week of the window or in future windows.

Semenyo has been a mighty fine player for Bournemouth. He's two-footed, a "duel monster" in the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson, and he can play on either flank.

Arteta loves positional versatility and that's what the Cherries attacker would offer to the Spaniard if he moved to the club.

Last season, no player had more shots in the Premier League than Semenyo, a fact that rubberstamps the immense threat he holds in the final third. His performance against Liverpool on the division's opening night was also really rather special.

But, with an ability to glide inside from the right and beat his man, there are shades of a certain Saka.

While Saka was evidently streets ahead as far as assists were concerned in the top-flight last term, their carrying ability is very similar.

Indeed, when it comes to take-ons and movement into the final third of the pitch, in particular, there's not a lot to separate them.

Both players ooze quality, they glide across the right-hand side of the field with ease and they have proven themselves to be two of the most dangerous forwards in English football.

Admittedly, a deal is unlikely, but wouldn't it be nice to steal another player away from Spurs?