“From reliable Sources”- Tottenham tell ‘future Ballon d’Or winner’ they want to sign him instead of Eze
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly backing away from a high-profile move for Eberechi Eze this summer, with sources close to GIVEMESPORT revealing that the North London club is now pivoting its attention towards Olympique Lyonnais talent Rayan Cherki as a more financially viable alternative.
Despite their ambitions to strengthen the squad following a promising European campaign that saw them reach the Europa League final, Spurs are unlikely to meet Crystal Palace’s hefty valuation of Eze. The 26-year-old attacking midfielder has a £68 million release clause in his contract at Selhurst Park, which will become active once the summer transfer window officially opens. While Spurs remain long-term admirers of the England international and have tracked his development closely, there is growing concern within the club that the finances simply won’t stretch far enough to meet Palace’s demands.
According to GMS sources, there is an internal belief that signing Eze would be beyond Tottenham’s current budget constraints, especially when factoring in other planned investments. The attacking midfielder recently put in a dazzling performance in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City, a reminder of the quality that has made him a top target. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher even labelled Eze a “superstar,” reinforcing the growing admiration surrounding him.
However, Tottenham’s summer spending must also account for other pressing priorities. They are already obligated to pay £20.9 million to make Kevin Danso’s loan move from Lens permanent, in accordance with the terms agreed between the clubs. Additionally, they hold a £45 million option to buy Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich, though it’s unclear whether they will activate that clause. With multiple big-ticket items potentially on the agenda, Spurs have shifted their focus toward more cost-effective targets.
That redirection has brought Rayan Cherki into the spotlight. The 20-year-old Lyon winger is viewed as a player with immense upside and is being seriously considered as Tottenham’s alternative to Eze. GMS sources have disclosed that Spurs have already held preliminary talks with Cherki’s representatives to better understand his expectations, including wage demands and personal terms. However, Tottenham will likely finalize their approach after their Europa League final showdown with Manchester United, as the outcome could influence their summer budget and squad-building strategy.
Cherki, who has previously been described as a “future Ballon d’Or winner”, is expected to leave Lyon ahead of the upcoming season. The Ligue 1 club has already confirmed his departure is imminent, which has emboldened Tottenham to intensify their pursuit. The North London club has entered into deeper discussions with the player’s entourage in a bid to beat the competition to his signature.
Interestingly, Crystal Palace may not be out of the picture entirely—they are also monitoring Cherki and could challenge Tottenham for his services, especially with European competition returning to Selhurst Park next season.
Meanwhile, Spurs are also working behind the scenes to secure the future of Mikey Moore, one of their brightest academy prospects. GMS sources have revealed that the club is confident of tying Moore down to a new deal, which would end Borussia Dortmund’s interest in luring him to the Bundesliga. However, even with Moore’s expected extension, Tottenham remains committed to bringing in fresh attacking reinforcements, particularly someone capable of operating from the left flank and providing consistent creativity in the final third.
Ultimately, while Eze remains an admired talent at Hotspur Way, Tottenham’s decision-makers are preparing to move forward with more strategic and sustainable options in the transfer market. Their focus on Cherki signals a desire to invest in young, high-potential talent who can grow under Ange Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy—without breaking the bank.