Arsenal have thrown a spanner in the works of Tottenham’s transfer plan by striking a deal for Eberechi Eze.
After Kai Havertz’s injury was confirmed, Andrea Berta wasted no time recharging Arsenal’s attack.
Eze will sign for Arsenal in a £68m deal from Crystal Palace, a dream come true for the playmaker.
Spurs knew that Eze only wanted Arsenal but still held out hope that the 27-year-old would settle for a move to N17, which he so nearly did.
- READ MORE: Arsenal have inflicted even more pain on Spurs after Eberechi Eze hijack, the worst is yet to come
Tottenham identify Eberechi Eze alternatives
Berta had other ideas and rapidly tied up Eze’s transfer, with a medical booked for Friday after the Englishman’s final game for Crystal Palace on Thursday night.
It’s terrible news for Tottenham, who are back to square one in the bid to replace James Maddison, missing out on another deal that appeared to be done.
Spurs fans are devastated that Arsenal are signing Eze, but there’s no time for Daniel Levy to waste.
Journalist Miguel Delaney took to X to name seven names Spurs could look at, three being more likely than others.
Maghnes Akliouche, Nico Paz and Tyler Dibling are the ‘more likely’ options arising as an alternative to Eze, with the less likely names being Xavi Simons, Morgan Rogers, Conor Gallagher and Savinho.
One name on the ‘likely’ list is actually a player that Spurs have very little chance of acquiring, which, ironically, could be because of a figure with ties to Arsenal.
Cesc Fabregas won’t let Tottenham sign Nico Paz
20-year-old Paz is a fantastic playmaker who made the move from Real Madrid to Como in the summer of 2024.
Paz is thriving at Como thanks to Cesc Fabregas, who has already ruled out a transfer for the rising star anytime soon.
Real Madrid had a buy-back option for Paz that expired in July, something that Fabregas commented on in January, stressing that the player is happy in Italy.
“Nico is a Como player. Real Madrid can buy him back, but at a certain price. Nico is a young player, and our relationship with his family is very stable,” Fabregas said in a press conference [18th January 2025].
The former Arsenal icon went on to state Paz’s importance to Como, making it clear that the club won’t be letting the playmaker leave easily.
“Nico is our brand, and we want him to stay with us for many years to come. All of us, starting with the club and the president, know what we have to do, and we’re working slowly and quietly to keep him with us.”
To double down on his desire to keep hold of Paz, Fabregas said that even a high price wouldn’t lure the Argentine away from his project.
“Even if Real Madrid doesn’t want to buy him back, Como won’t sell him for 40-50 million because we want to create a future, an identity with this group of talented young players, and ensure that in three or four years, Como can become a very strong team.”
Already, Tottenham could have hit a dead-end with their desire to sign Paz, who is firmly Fabregas’ player.
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