Daily Express

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has dismissed any talk of Eberechi Eze prior to his team's impressive performance at the Etihad. The Spurs secured a 2-0 victory at Manchester City with first-half goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha to seal consecutive Premier League wins for Frank since he took over.

Despite a failed £67.5million bid for Crystal Palace winger Eze, who has since joined arch rivals Arsenal, and the ire of travelling fans directed at chairman Daniel Levy, the team celebrated another away win against Pep Guardiola's side. Frank stated: "I think it's fair to say we've had a few questions about the transfer market and why not and if? But it's very, very easy. We never ever use on word about any player who isn't at our club.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"It is extremely important that we have a good group of players. We have quality players who I am very pleased with. We have brought in two good players to help. Can we improve it? Perfect.

"If we can't, then we have very good players - as we showed today." The game turned in Tottenham's favour with two goals scored within 10 minutes towards the end of the first half.

Frank expressed his delight, saying: "I am very delighted. I thought the first 35 minutes were quite even, with City slightly on top.

"Then we scored a very good goal and the momentum changed. In the second half we were very good because this is a very tough place to go. We were very aggressive in our press. I like that method. It's very offensive."

Arsenal have rubbed salt in the wounds of Tottenham Hotspur after completing their hijack of Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze. The Gunners announced Eze's arrival and unveiled him to the Emirates Stadium crowd ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Leeds United.

Spurs were in advanced talks with Palace for the 27-year-old before an injury to Kai Havertz sparked their north London rivals into action. Eze performed a sudden U-turn and has now joined Arsenal in a deal worth an initial £60million plus £7.5m in add-ons, bolstering Mikel Arteta's firepower.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

£43 £35 View Deal

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.

Arsenal fired a cheeky dig at Spurs with their announcement video, captioning it: "It was only ever Arsenal. A boyhood Gooner, our new number 10 – welcome home, Ebere."

Arteta worsened the blow with his comments on the club website, hailing Eze's preference to join his squad instead of alternative suitors.

"We are absolutely delighted to bring Eberechi to Arsenal. He is a powerful and exciting player who will give us a new dimension in our attacking game," the Spanish coach said.

"What stands out just as much as his talent and intelligence as a player, is the way he has worked hard throughout his career to get where he is today.

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.

"His journey, his mentality, and his ambition are exactly what we want in our team, and we love how much it means to him and his family to be joining our club. We all look forward to starting to work with Eberechi soon."

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta added: "We are so pleased to have completed this deal to bring Eberechi to Arsenal.

"Eberechi is a creative and explosive talent with huge technical quality – also a big-game player, with his experience at international level with England also underlining his quality and character.

"There has been excellent teamwork across the club to make this transfer happen, and we are very confident Eberechi will be an important addition to our squad as we continue to build for success."

Eze could make his Arsenal debut in next weekend's blockbuster trip to Anfield to face Premier League title rivals Liverpool before the September international break.

Tottenham's backup plan remains to be seen, having also been denied Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White this summer.

Frank has spearheaded a positive start to the season on the pitch, cruising past Burnley 3-0 before Saturday's impressive 2-0 victory at Manchester City.

Tottenham have continued their impressive start to the season with a 2-0 win over Manchester City on Saturday. Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha were both on the scoresheet at the Etihad Stadium, with Thomas Frank already appearing to get the very best out of his squad at both ends of the pitch.

Johnson opened the scoring for Tottenham somewhat against the run of play in the 35th minute when smashing home from close range after a cross from Richarlison. Spurs then doubled their lead on the stroke of half time when Richarlison and Pape Sarr pounced on an error from James Trafford, with the ball ultimately falling to Palhinha to smash home.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Express Sport takes a closer look at how Tottenham’s stars performed…

Tottenham player ratings (4-3-3)

Guglielmo Vicario - 7

Made two great saves in the first half to prevent City from raising into an early lead before enjoying a quiet second half.

Pedro Porro - 8

Delivered a number of excellent crosses, making his presence felt in the final third when roaming forward to support the frontline. Booked.

Cristian Romero - 9

A true leader’s performance. The Argentine marshalled his defence admirably and managed to get the better of Erling Haaland on a number of occasions. Booked, albeit for a perfectly timed challenge.

Micky van de Ven - 9

Similarly to his centre-back partner, the Dutchman impressed against the daunting City attack. Van de Ven was often tasked with breaking the lines with his passing out from the back, and he thrived with that responsibility.

Djed Spence - 6

The defender looked sloppy in possession but made up for that with a strong defensive display up against the tricky Oscar Bobb.

Joao Palhinha – 9 (Danso, 91')

A performance which highlighted just how baffling it was that Spurs faced no competition to secure his signature this summer. Made his mark at both ends of the pitch, with his defensive work proving key in keeping City’s abundance of flair players quiet.

Rodrigo Bentancur – 7

Steady performance from the Uruguay international. Constantly made himself available for his teammates and was sharp into his duels to ensure that City weren’t afforded any space in those central areas.

Pape Sarr – 8

There is no doubt that Sarr lacks the creativity to be an out-and-out No. 10, but the Senegal international proved to be exactly what is required in that role under Frank as it stands. Sarr’s endless bags of energy and desire to press high caused City an abundance of issues, and ultimately led to his side’s second goal.

Brennan Johnson – 6 (Odobert, 77’)

Took his goal well, but it certainly masked over what was a very quiet afternoon from the Welshman. Struggled to make any true impression in the second half besides blazing his shot over the bar when there were countless other better options.

Mohammed Kudus - 8 (Bergvall, 86')

The tricky winger is known for his electric pace and neat footwork, but it was Kudus’ work off the ball which deserved the plaudits against City. The ex-West Ham star made several key challenges and showed plenty of energy to get back and track his man throughout. Booked.

Richarlison – 8 (Solanke, 77’)

On a mission to revive his Spurs career, Richarlison has started the season on fire. After a slow start, the Brazilian held up well play and caused City problems with his runs in behind, and his willingness to drop deep – especially when Sarr drifted – ensured that Tottenham always had an outlet. Booked.

Substitutes

Wilson Odobert - 6

Missed a good chance shortly after entering the fray before almost beating Trafford with a diving header.

Dominic Solanke – 6

Worked hard defensively in limited minutes, forcing a good save from Trafford.

Lucas Bergvall – N/A

Kevin Danso – N/A

HSV Hamburg are closing in on a deal to sign Tottenham’s Luka Vuskovic on loan.

That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who reports that talks are ongoing and an agreement is expected to be reached soon.

Vuskovic enjoyed an impressive pre-season with Spurs, sparking talks that he could remain as part of Thomas Frank’s first team, but ultimately the decision was made for the Croatian to spend another campaign elsewhere to accelerate his development.

Fulham have reopened talks with Arsenal over a deal for Reiss Nelson, reports the Independent.

The winger spent last season on loan at Craven Cottage, and a return to the London club, similarly on loan, is now back on the cards.

Negotiations are ongoing over a potential deal, with Arsenal hoping to offload the Englishman after ruling him surplus to requirements earlier this summer.

Manchester City are reportedly considering hijacking Manchester United’s move for Senne Lammens.

The Red Devils are pushing to strike a deal with Royal Antwerp for the goalkeeper, with personal terms agreed.

However, in a shock twist, Sacha Tavolieri reports that City are considering making a move for the Belgian shot-stopper to replace Ederson.

Gianluigi Donnarumma was previously the Etihad Stadium outfit’s top target between the sticks, but Paris Saint-Germain’s asking price for the Italian is viewed as being ‘too high’.

Former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou might be back in the Premier League very soon after a brutally honest admission from another ex-Spurs man. Despite clinching the Europa League trophy in May, the 59-year-old found himself ousted from his role at Tottenham following two seasons, with the latter ending in a dismal seventeenth place finish in the Premier League.

Daniel Levy made the decision to appoint Thomas Frank as the club's new head coach and he enjoyed a triumphant start in the Premier League courtesy of Tottenham's 3-0 victory over Burnley last Saturday. However, this success was quickly overshadowed by Arsenal's eleventh-hour coup, snatching Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze from under Tottenham's nose.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

This marks the second transfer debacle for Tottenham this summer, having previously seen their pursuit of Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White collapse amidst allegations of an unlawful approach; the England international subsequently agreed fresh terms at the City Ground. Meanwhile, Forest themselves kicked off their campaign on a high note, securing a 3-1 win against Brentford.

Yet, not all is well at the club, as Nuno Espirito Santo, briefly at the helm of Spurs in 2021, conceded that his relationship with club owner Evangelos Marinakis has changed. "I always had a very good relationship with the owner - last season we were very close and spoke on a daily basis," he disclosed during a press conference on Friday.

"This season it is not so well [between us] but I always believe that dialogue is important because my concern is the squad and the season we have ahead of us. Our relationship has changed and we are not as close.

"No, it is not good [that the relationship has changed]. I think everybody at the club should be together but this not the reality." With Nuno's exit now looking increasingly likely, Forest may well be scouring the market for potential successors.

Italian journalist Matteo Moretto claims Postecoglou features amongst the candidates being considered. Should Marinakis hold considerable sway over the appointment, Postecoglou's emergence as a contender comes as little shock given the praise heaped upon him by the Forest supremo mere months ago.

"What I want to say about Ange is that he has spoken about Greece many times, he is proud to be Greek and in the great success he had with Tottenham by winning the Europa League, he spoke about Greece," he remarked via Greek publication Neos Kosmos.

"A man who not only does not hide his origin but is also proud of it. What he achieved, he did with a team that has not won any titles, it has had a very difficult time in recent years. In this huge success that the whole world saw, he promoted Greece.

"We must thank him especially for this and we wish him well, although we are sure that he will do well as he has the ability. Wherever he goes, the successes will come."

Should Postecoglou join Forest, he would be set to reunite with his former colleagues in mid-December, before making a return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in March 2026.

Thomas Frank has declared he doesn't want players at the club who aren't fully committed to joining Tottenham, following Eberechi Eze's shock decision to switch to Arsenal. The England star seemed destined for a move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Spurs pursued the gifted midfielder to address their ongoing No. 10 problem.

But there was a dramatic late development as north London neighbours Arsenal swooped to hijack the transfer. The Gunners swiftly sprang into action after learning of Kai Havertz's injury setback, prompting Eze to choose his childhood club over Spurs. The 27-year-old's switch to Arsenal is expected to be completed imminently after he passed a medical examination on Friday morning.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

football.london believe that Eze will join for approximately £60million plus £7.5m in additional payments.

The transfer setback has left Tottenham exasperated in the transfer window yet again, with uncertainty surrounding their next step as they seek to recruit a fresh No. 10.

Ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Manchester City, Frank shared his thoughts on the failed deal and insisted "we don't want them here" regarding players who lack dedication to joining the club. He said that the priority is to bring players in who want to play for Spurs.

"In general, of course, you know I don't speak about specific players unless they are at our fantastic club, and I'm more than happy to speak about all our players," said the Dane.

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.

"So that's one thing. Secondly, and there's been a lot of rumours linking us with a lot of players. Also players where I think 'Oh, he's been linked with us? Interesting'. But a lot of times where it's definitely nothing in it, that's part of the business we talked about before.

"There must be someone out there that thinks it's good fun to put the rumours out there. But anyway, there'll be a lot of links. There has been a lot of links. There'll a lot of links in the future.

"And just to generalise that, to make it very, very clear, I don't want any players that don't want to come to the club. Who don't want to come to the club and wear this fantastic badge -- we don't want them here.

"I think that's very clear, and also pretty sure that the fans will feel the same if they don't want to put the fantastic shirt over their head. Play for the badge, play for the club. Really enjoy it. No problem, then we don't them there. I think that's a key message."

Gary Lineker believes there's "not a chance" Alexander Isak shows up at St James' Park to watch Newcastle United take on Liverpool on Monday evening. The striker has found himself at the heart of a dramatic transfer saga involving both clubs this summer.

Trouble began brewing on Tyneside last month when Isak snubbed Newcastle's pre-season tour of Asia, choosing instead to train at his former club, Real Sociedad. The Sweden international then shared his desire to explore opportunities away from the north east before Liverpool tabled an initial bid of £110million. Following the swift rejection of that offer, Isak was ordered to train in isolation by Newcastle's hierarchy.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

As matters stand, he is reportedly refusing to ever represent the Magpies again, having missed their Premier League curtain-raiser against Aston Villa last weekend. The 25-year-old also broke his silence on Tuesday via Instagram, alleging his club had reneged on promises while suggesting his departure would be the optimal solution.

With Newcastle preparing to welcome Liverpool in Premier League action on Monday night, questions have emerged over whether Isak will be present at St James' Park to watch the clash. However, Lineker is convinced there's absolutely no chance of that happening.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Lineker said: "The fixture list sometimes does this beautifully doesn't it? Newcastle vs Liverpool. Of course it is." To which Alan Shearer responded: "Monday night, I'll be at the match as well."

When Lineker asked if he thought Isak would be present, Shearer replied: "No, do you?" The former Match of the Day host said: "Not a chance," before bursting into laughter. Explaining that Isak's transfer saga will only heighten the tension during the match, Shearer added: "It'll be an incredible atmosphere. It's a bit tasty anyway, Newcastle Liverpool, so it's a bit of added spice I think, don't you?"

Lineker then joked: "Why don't you do a swap deal, for [Hugo] Ekitike? Just to stir things up a bit. Sorry, but you've got to try to see the funny side of these things, especially for fans, and you are a fan of Newcastle. I mean, it's just brutal."

Newcastle had also shown interest in Eintracht Frankfurt sensation Ekitike this summer, before Liverpool outmanoeuvred them with a £79m move. The striker has made a strong start at his new club, scoring in Liverpool's Community Shield match against Crystal Palace, as well as their 4-2 Premier League opening day victory over Bournemouth last Friday.

Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

£43 £35 View Deal

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.

While Liverpool have not yet returned with a better offer for Isak, it is believed they may do so before the transfer window closes on September 1. But only if Newcastle can show some flexibility on their reported £150m valuation of their star player.

The Magpies continue to grapple with their own challenges in securing a reliable No. 9 to replace Isak. Earlier this week, Brentford turned down a £40m offer from the club for Yoane Wissa, and while a second attempt hasn't been dismissed, it seems they're also eyeing Wolves' centre-forward, Jorgen Strand Larsen.

Wolves are keen to keep hold of the 25-year-old, but an offer in the region of £60m could sway them. Regardless, Eddie Howe will likely have to resort to a stand-in striker once again for the match against Liverpool.

Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur following their failed bid for Eberechi Eze, who is set to join Arsenal for a whopping £68million.

The Independent reported on Thursday that Spurs had made enquiries about Rogers, who is expected to fetch a higher price than Eze. Despite Villa's reluctance to part ways with the 23-year-old, a substantial offer could potentially change their minds due to concerns over profit and sustainability rules.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Rogers, who was crowned PFA young player of the year this week, expressed his contentment at Villa in an interview with The Times. "Nobody could have written what happened to me in the last 12 months," he said.

"I'm happy here. I love football. I love nothing more than just coming out on the pitch and playing football and that's what I'm doing. I don't think about anything else.

"I can't predict the next 12 months or anything in the future. It's just about playing football, enjoying my football and showing everyone what I can do."

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.

However, it seems a deal is highly unlikely as football.london claim that Tottenham are not interested in Rogers.

While the young star has fans at Chelsea and would be a significant signing for Spurs, it appears that Unai Emery sees him as the future of Villa and would rather sell other players if necessary.

"With how football is changing, I appreciate a lot the players being versatile, playing different positions, understanding everything tactically," Emery previously said of Rogers.

"One of them in our squad is clearly Morgan Rogers, and John McGinn as well. Not every player is ready to do it, but Morgan Rogers is always positive and his versatility is very important for us. In the last match, we played in different positions with Morgan.

"He played striker, number ten, right side, left side, and he's always performing very well because he's a player who understands tactically everything we are planning and he has the qualities to do it.

"The importance he has now is trying to improve. I'm always pushing him to get more of him, but physically as well he's keeping the level we needed."

Tottenham Hotspur are pushing to sign Manchester City winger Savinho before the summer transfer deadline after missing out on Eberechi Eze, according to reports. Spurs face severe disappointment in their hunt for the Crystal Palace talisman, who has performed a U-turn and will soon complete a move to north London rivals Arsenal, despite agreeing a deal with Thomas Frank's outfit.

But Frank's business certainly is not complete, and he is keen to add at least one more attacker to his squad before September 2. Savinho has emerged as a top target for Spurs after Pep Guardiola bolstered his attack further with the £34million signing of Rayan Cherki.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

£43 £35 View Deal

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs engaged in fresh contact with City over the 21-year-old on Thursday.

Etihad Stadium bosses are said to want to keep Savinho, but the Lilywhites are pushing for his signature and insist they want to do a deal.

It's claimed that Spurs believe Savinho would be a perfect signing for the start of Frank's project, with the Danish head coach in love with the Brazilian as a player.

The report adds that while Frank is keen for the transfer to go through, the feeling is, interestingly, mutual, potentially strengthening Spurs' position.

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.

Last week, Guardiola reaffirmed his stance that players who want to leave City will be allowed to explore exits.

However, the Catalan coach made it clear that he wanted Savinho to stay put this season, stressing that he was in his plans.

"If they want to leave, they will come to me. If they want to leave, they will knock on my door. Whether it's Tottenham in that case or any other club, a player should call the club," Guadiola said.

"I am only concerned right now that Savinho will be with us for the rest of the season and hopefully many years, because of the potential he has at 21.

"He has to improve in the final positions, but he is an extraordinary player.

"At the end, as always, the desire of the players is above everything, but then they have to find an agreement with the club.

"If they don't make an agreement, the player will be here because the club spends money on those players."

Savinho was not included in Guardiola's squad for City's 4-0 win at Wolves on the opening weekend of the Premier League, fuelling speculation surrounding his future.

Arsenal have beaten north London rivals Tottenham to the signing of Eberechi Eze, with the forward expected to join the Gunners in the coming days. But the transfer could have dire consequences for Kai Havertz, with Arsenal only deciding to swoop for Eze after the German sustained a knee injury.

Arsenal were linked with their former academy player Eze earlier this summer after the 27-year-old lit up the Premier League last season. However, the Gunners initially stepped aside, with Tottenham making a move as they edged towards a deal. But just as it looked like Eze was heading to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Arsenal dived in with a bid of around £67.5million. And it appears the prospect of joining his boyhood club is too tempting for Eze to turn down.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Havertz came off the bench for half an hour as Arsenal defeated Manchester United in their Premier League opener on Sunday.

But he was absent as the Gunners held an open training session at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, with news of Arsenal’s pursuit of Eze hitting the headlines hours later.

Eze can play on either flank but thrives as a No. 10 and may be a direct threat to Havertz’s game time when the Germany international returns from his latest injury setback. And the former QPR player appears to offer a bigger threat than Havertz in the final third of the pitch.

According to Opta, Eze had 61 shots in the Premier League last season, with Havertz only managing 44. Of those attempts, 29 were on target compared to Havertz’s 21.

Eze is a much more creative player than Havertz as well as he created 50 chances for his Palace team-mates last term, with Havertz only creating 14 goalscoring opportunities.

While Havertz managed one more goal in the Premier League than Eze - nine compared to eight – the Palace player contributed five more assists and also made 141 more accurate passes in the opposition half. And those numbers may be enough to convince Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta that Eze should start ahead of Havertz in the future.

Eze was a surprise inclusion on the Palace team sheet for their Premier League opener against Chelsea on Sunday, despite the fact he appeared to be edging towards a move to Tottenham.

And he found the back of the net with a free-kick in the first half, but the strike was chalked off due to a foul by Marc Guehi.

Eze was then left out of the matchday squad for the Eagles’ UEFA Conference League play-off clash with Fredrikstad on Thursday evening ahead of his move to the Emirates.