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Eberechi Eze was linked with a move to Tottenham this summer, but landed at rivals Arsenal.

Daniel Levy is known for his transfer failings at Tottenham, and this summer has certainly followed suit.

After Tottenham were linked with a move to sign Eze, it emerged hours later that Arsenal had stepped up their interest and eventually completed the deal.

Once again, blame was directed towards Levy for another missed opportunity, but it seems Spurs were running a race they were never going to win.

This article includes exclusive comment from former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

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Eberechi Eze is a boyhood Arsenal supporter

Eze would have been a great addition, though Xavi Simons’ arrival at Tottenham is likely to subdue the concerns that emerged from missing out on him.

While blame will be thrown around for the failure to land Eze, Paul Robinson believes it was always destined to be.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “I don’t think they were ever going to get Eze. I think the pictures have emerged of him being an Arsenal fan as a kid.

“If Arsenal were interested, I don’t think Tottenham were ever in the race.

Eze’s record at Crystal Palace

“In all honesty, the media and the press, the speculation around it, if Arsenal had been interested for the same amount as reported that Tottenham have, I think there was only going to be one winner because of his background and who he supported as a kid.

“I think that there’s been a lot made of it because it was Arsenal. But I think if Arsenal weren’t in the race to sign him, Tottenham would have got the player over the line.

Xavi Simons arrival deserves more attention

Simons may not have the Premier League experience that Eze has, but he has several other assets that could make his arrival at Tottenham a better signing.

Firstly, his age.

Simons is five years younger than Eze, having spent several years already at the top of his game while playing in the Bundesliga and Eredivisie.

In his last three campaigns, Simons has hit double figures for goals and matched that with assists in all but one campaign.

His versatility will make him a key player under Thomas Frank, who is known for his willingness to make changes depending on the situation or opponent.

Tottenham continue awful two-year record with 1-0 loss to Bournemouth

Tottenham were all out of sorts in the 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday.

The visitors put a stop to Tottenham’s fine form, with Evanilson’s fifth-minute strike condemning Spurs to their first goal conceded and defeat of the season.

The Lilywhites amassed an expected goals of just 0.17 compared to the Cherries’ 1.45, and Frank’s side were fortunate not to concede a penalty when Mohammed Kudus caught Marcos Senesi.

Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Manchester City last weekend boosted hopes of an amazing start to the season, but the latest stat coming out of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium reveals a loss was expected.

Tottenham haven’t won before the international break since October 2023

Tottenham will intensify their efforts on and off the pitch following the defeat.

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Xavi Simons has been signed to add some much-needed creativity up front, and Spurs could still add further additions.

Dominic Solanke’s absence from the Tottenham squad will be a concern and could prompt Frank to make a deal for Yoanne Wissa.

Selected results before an international break:

Spurs continued their poor form for games directly before international breaks with the defeat.

The Lilywhites haven’t won directly before an international break since October 2023, when they beat Luton 1-0 with 10 men under Ange Postecoglou.

Yves Bissouma was sent off in the win, which boosted Tottenham to the top of the table, with 20 points from eight games.

Should Spurs have maintained their 100 per cent record against Bournemouth, they would have again been top of the Premier League, but have now been toppled by Chelsea, who are one point ahead.

Things aren’t as smooth sailing as first thought for Tottenham

Statement wins in their opening two games had supporters thinking that Tottenham would be back to competing for the top four this season.

However, the shocking attacking performance against the Cherries will bring supporters back down to Earth.

Missing out on top players such as Eberechi Eze to direct rivals doesn’t bode well for Tottenham either.

With just days remaining in the transfer window, Frank must prioritise signing top players and sorting out their problems over the international break.

Thomas Frank was left scratching his head as Tottenham fell to a 1-0 defeat against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.

Dominic Solanke was ruled out injured as Richarlison continued to lead the line at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against the Cherries.

The Brazilian was at the heart of most things for Spurs, but it was his fellow countryman who scored the only goal, with Evanilson striking within five minutes.

It could have been very different for Frank, though.

This article contains exclusive comments from former referee, Keith Hackett.

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Richarlison should have been punished after Tottenham fury

Semenyo was cautioned early on in North London and then appeared to trip Richarlison as he was breaking away just before the break.

Despite the foul being given and the home crowd screaming for a second yellow, Mike Dean agreed it was just a foul, with no further punishment needed.

Former Premier League referee and PGMOL chief, Hackett, however, believed it was Richarlison who should have been punished by the officials after watching footage.

“This is a clear act of simulation,” Hackett exclusively told Tottenham News.

“If the law were applied correctly, then the player should have been yellow-carded.”

How did Richarlison play vs Bournemouth?

After shining against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup and scoring two in the Premier League opener, Tottenham fans were loving Richarlison.

He followed that up with another crucial part in Tottenham’s 2-0 win at Manchester City.

The showdown with Bournemouth was one step too far, though, and it only proved to Frank that he needs another striker, even after Xavi Simons was announced.

Richarlison’s stats vs Bournemouth

Looking at the stats from Fotmob, it was clear that Tottenham just didn’t do enough in the final third, and that halted any success for Richarlison, too, leading the line.

Either Richarlison dived, which looked unlikely, or Semenyo deserved a second yellow, with the easy way out clearly taken by the officials on this occasion.

Tottenham crashed back down to reality with a 1-0 defeat against Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Lilywhites registered an expected goals of zero in the opening 45 minutes and were lucky not to be two behind after Antoine Semenyo missed a header from six yards out.

Spurs looked better in the second half, with Frank’s team talk seeming to do the trick, but they struggled to find the back of the net.

A frantic few minutes saw a Bournemouth penalty appeal for a tackle from Mohammed Kudus turned away, before Tottenham wanted a second yellow for Semenyo’s foul on Richarlison.

Spurs fans were furious that he stayed on the pitch.

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Simon Hooper gets Antoine Semenyo yellow card decision ‘just right’ – Mike Dean

Bournemouth opened the scoring just five minutes into the affair, with Evanilson’s goal being Tottenham’s first they have conceded this season.

Frank’s side previously kept clean sheets against Manchester City and Burnley, but looked poor at the back against Bournemouth.

The Cherries may, however, count themselves lucky as Semenyo got away without a yellow card for a controversial challenge where he brought down Richarlison on the break.

Speaking live on Sky Sports Football (30 August, 16:10), former referee Mike Dean spoke about the incident: “I think it’s just a foul.

“I think because somebody’s on a yellow card, the next foul they commit is automatically a second yellow, and it isn’t. Every yellow card’s on its merit, so for me it’s just right.”

Former Tottenham defender Michael Dawson was also in agreement with the decision.

“Tottenham break away, Richardson gets brought down by Semenyo. The Spurs fans and Spurs players want a second yellow card for Semenyo,” he said.

“I’m not sure it was, I think, Simon Hooper’s got the right decision, but I’ll tell you what, my goodness, what a start to the second half.”

Tottenham will be fuming with Simon Hooper’s decision

It was clear that Bournemouth were much better than Tottenham.

However, the decision from Hooper could have completely changed the game, and Spurs maybe should have had a one-man advantage.

Dropping points to the Cherries could prove crucial towards the end of the season when Frank’s side are pushing for the top five.

Spurs were nowhere near good enough against Bournemouth, which was a surprise, given Frank’s strong record against them.

The Lilywhites now have plenty of time to put the defeat behind them, with two weeks until their next Premier League game against West Ham.

Frank will no doubt take the international break to assess why there was such a contrast between the performances against Man City and the one against Bournemouth.

Tottenham could end the summer transfer window with a bang and lock in on another marquee signing.

Daniel Levy is not expected to stop at Xavi Simons as Spurs continue their spending spree.

Back-to-back wins in the Premier League have demonstrated that Thomas Frank could do big things in North London. But as the season reaches its height, squad depth will be key to winning titles.

As a result, Hotspur Way could see one more surprise walking through its door this summer.

This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.

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Tottenham could made last-minute effort for Lucas Paqueta

Lucas Paqueta was a reported £60million option studied by Tottenham to replace James Maddison.

The midfielder has impressed most who have watched him, including David Moyes, who hailed him as a “maverick” during West Ham’s 2023 UEFA Europa League group stages.

In quotes provided by The Standard on 8 October 2023, he said: “Lucas was terrific.

“He drives me mad sometimes but everybody who watched him would have said: ‘This player has got incredible talent’.

“There is a word that goes around, a maverick. He is that for us. It is really important we get him in and adapt to him, and accept some of his things.”

It was believed that Simons’ transfer to Tottenham could derail any possibility of seeing the Brazilian arrive in North London. However, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes he is one to watch out for.

“I just wonder if Paqueta pops up on deadline day as someone that might suddenly become available, and I think he’d been extremely good signing as well,” Wenham said.

“So he’s one to keep an eye on, I think, as the window closes either for Tottenham or somebody else, but I think he’s a good signing.”

Will Lucas Paqueta improve Tottenham?

There is an argument to be made that the Brazilian is an unnecessary signing due to Simons impending arrival at Tottenham.

However, his defensive contributions could make him an important addition for Spurs UEFA Champions League run.

In the last 90 days, Paqueta dropped into the top 4% for defensive actions completed. Meanwhile, he is in the top 5% for aerial duels won and for touches. However, chances created are an area he lacks, as he’s in the top 70% for this metric.

Despite this, the West Ham midfielder is one of the best in the Premier League. For an affordable price, he will not only improve Tottenham defensively, but will be a market opportunity Levy can’t afford to miss out on.

Xavi Simons could already be on track to become one of Tottenham’s best and most iconic players.

Daniel Levy seems to have outdone himself in the summer transfer window at long last.

After Mohammed Kudus arrived from West Ham and Joao Palhinha followed, it was believed that the sky was the limit for Tottenham. But after a series of disappointments, there were chants of “Levy out” once again.

But with Simons set to arrive at Tottenham as a signing Spurs supporters did not see coming, Levy is on the path of redemption. And with such a huge signing comes a massive responsibility.

This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.

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Xavi Simons to be given iconic Tottenham seven shirt

Son Heung-min left Tottenham for LAFC after almost a decade in North London this summer.

While tears were shed, the South Korean left behind him Spurs’ number seven, which he made his own over the years.

There have been questions surrounding who would inherit the number from the former Tottenham captain. However, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes Simons is the right guy to take over the mantle.

“He’s coming to the club in a World Cup year where he’s going to be a starting player,” Wenham said.

“I think he’s got an amazing opportunity to become the face of the club as well, you know, very marketable with Nike. I think is massive for both the player and his global standing and also for Tottenham.

“There is that number seven shirt there. I know people will be thinking, oh, well, we should hold off a little bit, but I think Simons is that level of player that you could give that number seven shirt to and people would be happy with that.”

Who are Tottenham’s most iconic number sevens?

Son has put up incredible performances as Spurs’ no.7. However, the Lilywhites have seen several incredible players wear the number.

Aaron Lennon ranks high on the list, having worn the number for eight years at Tottenham. The winger made over 350 appearances for the North London club and was key to their mid-to-late 2000s revival.

Honourable mentions:

Darren Anderton is one of the most iconic players to have worn the number, making over 360 appearances for the club. In a turbulent period, he remained loyal, amazing supporters with his excellent passing and creativity.

This list would not be complete without Nick Barmby – the first official number seven for Tottenham. He wore the shirt during their first-ever Premier League season with fixed numbers.

Daniel Levy has often been criticised for not spending enough to take Tottenham to the next level.

Mauricio Pochettino went a whole year without signing a new player and still managed to take Spurs to the Champions League final.

Levy was even called out by Antonio Conte, when he was in charge of the club, for the lack of ambition.

However, the Tottenham chairman has backed Thomas Frank this summer, spending a little over £120million thus far.

Daniel Levy will pay the big bucks to sign Xavi Simons

While the Lilywhites have made a few shrewd acquisitions in the window, they do not seem to be done with their transfer activity.

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RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons appears set to join Tottenham ahead of the transfer deadline.

With James Maddison set for a long-term injury absence, Spurs lack a creative attacking midfielder to set up chances for the attackers and that has seen them pursue the 22-year-old’s services.

Tottenham have agreed a £51.9million fee with RB Leipzig for the Netherlands international and that deal will make him one of their most expensive signings of all time.

The Sun reported in the print edition of its newspaper on 29 August that Simons would want at least £200k-a-week in wages.

That would mean at least £72.8million over the course of his long-term deal, taking the total value of the deal to a whopping £124.7million.

What Tottenham fans can expect from Xavi Simons

Tottenham fans can expect Simons to bring dynamic creativity and flair to the squad following his move from RB Leipzig, signing a seven-year deal.

The 22-year-old, a product of Barcelona’s La Masia, excels as a versatile attacking midfielder or winger, and will likely be operating centrally or drifting from wide areas in Frank’s system.

His strengths include exceptional dribbling, vision for key passes and through balls, explosive acceleration, and clinical finishing.

A counter-attack threat with high work rate and foul-winning prowess, the Netherlands international thrives in transitions, combining La Masia technique with physicality.

However, his weaker left foot and occasional inconsistency in wide roles may require adaptation.

With Maddison sidelined by ACL injury, he could become an instant talisman, boosting Tottenham’s Champions League ambitions if he adjusts swiftly to Premier League intensity.

Xavi Simons to Tottenham could be the best bit of business Daniel Levy will do all summer.

Levy has come under scrutiny for his failures in the transfer window this summer.

All was near enough sealed for Eberechi Eze before Arsenal swooped in for the midfielder. Piero Hincapie was another Tottenham target, but he has also given his preference to the Gunners.

Simons was close to signing for Chelsea, but Tottenham are now set to pull off a hijack of their own. With hours left on the clock, the midfielder could be announced as a Spurs player within the next hours.

Xavi Simons would rank as Tottenham’s fifth most expensive signing

As reported by Fabrizio Romano via X on 29 August, Tottenham have agreed on a £51.8million fee with RB Leipzig for Simons.

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Brennan Johnson, who was signed from Nottingham Forest for £47.5m in 2023, is currently fifth on Tottenham’s all-time most expensive signings list.

However, Simons is set to displace him on the list if he arrives in North London. This puts him around £3m behind Mohammed Kudus in fourth spot, who transferred from West Ham earlier this summer.

Richarlison takes third place who was signed in 2022 from Everton for £60m. While he has had an inconsistent few years in North London, Richarlison has had an incredible start to the season for Tottenham.

Tottenham signed Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon in 2019 for a whopping £63m. Despite being seen as an exceptional talent at the time, injuries and several loan spells saw Spurs release him from his contract in 2024.

Dominic Solanke currently claims the top spot after a £65m transfer from Bournemouth in 2024. The striker was part of Spurs’ UEFA Europa League-winning squad and will be determined to have an even greater impact this season.

Is £51.8m fee a bargain for Simons?

While it is difficult to say for definite until after a couple of seasons, at first glance, £51.8m for Simons seems to be a bargain.

The Dutchman is widely considered one of the most talented players in his generation. His first season at Leipzig was exceptional, scoring 10 goals and providing 15 assists. He was also named in the Bundesliga Team of the Year.

While there was a small drop off during his second season, Simons still remained one of Lepizig’s most important players.

As a result, given the current rate of the transfer market, Levy could be on the verge of pulling off a financial masterstroke.

Xavi Simons has set his wage demands high ahead of a potential last-gasp move to Tottenham.

Spurs are challenging Chelsea in a move for Simons as Thomas Frank continues his search for an attacking midfield signing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Now Tottenham are said to be closing in on Simons with barely days remaining until the 1 September summer transfer deadline in North London.

Daniel Levy finally looks set to get a transfer over the line with a blockbuster move now seemingly in the pipeline at this late stage of the window.

With that being said, the wage demands of Simons may raise a few eyebrows in N17 as the Netherlands international looks set to match the salary of the Lilywhites’ skipper, Cristian Romero.

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Xavi Simons wage demands revealed at Tottenham

Having signed a new contract in N17 earlier in the window after months of exit speculation, Romero is now earning around £200k-a-week at Tottenham.

This looks to have set a benchmark for any incoming signings, with the Argentine being made the top earner with Spurs this summer.

As a result, it is little surprise that the RB Leipzig man wants to reach those heights if he is to make the move to the Premier League in the coming days.

After Simons agreed a deal to join Tottenham, there were always going to be questions over his wage, especially due to his estimated £100k weekly salary in the Bundesliga.

With that being said, The Sun have reported (29 August, page 50) that the 22-year-old wants a figure in the region of £200k-per-week to join the Lilywhites this summer.

This would make the Dutchman one of the highest earners in Frank’s squad, looking likely to sit behind captain Romero on the bill.

Xavi Simons could change mood around Tottenham

Having missed out on Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, there was general discontent around N17, despite a superb start to the campaign.

This highlighted the frailties of Levy’s transfer strategy, having seemingly had an open road to land the England international from Crystal Palace.

Regardless of this, supporters have to move on, and that could be made increasingly easy by the huge signing of Simons.

The versatile attacker could plug a number of gaps in the Spurs squad and become an important player under Frank as the season moves forward.

A potential deal for the ex-PSG youngster has certainly gone down well in North London, is now just awaiting the final touches before an official announcement.

Pape Sarr axed in two changes – Tottenham predicted XI vs Bournemouth

Thomas Frank could make two changes when Tottenham host Bournemouth on Saturday.

Tottenham demolished Manchester City in a 2-0 victory last time out, and Frank will be looking to continue his 100 per cent league start in North London.

The Cherries bounced back from an opening day defeat to Liverpool, with a 1-0 win over Wolves and will be looking to cause a shock at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham may have been bested in the transfer market by Arsenal, but they are matching them at the top of the Premier League right now, and will hope to maintain that position.

Thomas Frank to stick with the same defence

Guglielmo Vicario only faced 0.64xG against City in the Tottenham goal, and he is expected to retain his place between the sticks after making four saves in the contest, per Fotmob.

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Pedro Porro is predicted to keep his spot on the right-hand side of defence. The Spain international created the most chances against Pep Guardiola’s side with two and made four recoveries.

At the heart of the backline, new Tottenham captain Cristian Romero is expected to be partnered by Micky Van de Ven.

The Argentina star won four of his five ground duels at the Etihad Stadium, for an 80 per cent success rate, and the Netherlands ace was the most accurate passer to play over 45 minutes, with a 93 per cent completion rate.

Djed Spence might reprise his role at left-back. The 25-year-old made four clearances and four recoveries in the victory last time out.

At the base of midfield, Lucas Bergvall might be drafted in to allow Joao Palhinha to rest. The Bayern Munich loanee is a key player, and Frank needs to manage his minutes.

Rodrigo Bentancur is expected to retain his place next to the Sweden star after he won three of his five ground duels against Guardiola’s side, for a 60 per cent success rate.

Pape Sarr axed for Tottenham vs Bournemouth

Mohammed Kudus has started his Spurs career in electric form, and he completed the most dribbles in the clash with City, with three.

The Ghana ace is expected to keep his place in the side, with Brennan Johnson predicted to line up on the opposite flank, after opening the scoring against City.

Pape Sarr might be axed after an underwhelming performance against the Citizens. Frank needs his number 10 to lead the press, but the 22-year-old won just two of his 10 ground duels, for a success rate of 20 per cent

Wilson Odobert could replace the Senegal star in the starting line-up. The ex-Burnley man won one of two ground duels against Guardiola’s side for a 50 per cent success rate.

Richarlison continued his impressive start to the campaign, assisting Johnson’s goal, and he is expected to get the nod over Dominic Solanke again.

Andoni Iraola’s side were in the fight for the European places last season before a late collapse, so it would be a real statement if the Lilywhites can beat them.