After Kudus: Spurs set to submit bid for “magical” £20m star, he’d be better than Eze
Tottenham Hotspur Enter New Era Under Thomas Frank with Major Transfer Moves Underway
Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for a transformative 2024/25 campaign as they embark on a new chapter under the guidance of Thomas Frank. The Danish tactician has been appointed as the club’s new head coach, marking a fresh start for Spurs after several years of managerial changes and underwhelming performances. Frank, who gained widespread acclaim for his achievements at Brentford, now faces the formidable task of replicating that success on a bigger stage in North London.
During his seven-year tenure at Brentford, Frank built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most astute and adaptable managers. Despite operating with limited financial resources, he managed to maintain a competitive squad, earning a commendable win percentage of 43%. Known for his tactical intelligence and ability to develop young talent, Frank is now set to benefit from greater financial backing at Tottenham, where he’ll be expected to challenge for domestic and European honours.
At Brentford, Frank oversaw the development of several players who are now attracting serious transfer interest, including Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa. While speculation initially suggested that one or both of those stars could reunite with Frank at Tottenham, such moves now appear unlikely. Instead, the club is casting a wider net as it looks to strengthen its squad during the summer transfer window.
Spurs’ Summer Transfer Plans Begin to Take Shape
Tottenham’s recruitment strategy this summer has seen them linked with a number of high-profile players, with West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus emerging as one of their top targets. According to a report from The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Spurs have reached a £55 million agreement with their London rivals for the Ghana international, who impressed in his debut Premier League season following a £38 million move from Ajax.
Kudus’ potential arrival is seen as a major coup for Spurs, especially given his versatility, technical brilliance, and eye for goal. However, with competition fierce and deals not always guaranteed, Tottenham had also been tracking other attacking talents. One name that featured heavily on their shortlist was Ademola Lookman, who enjoyed a phenomenal season with Atalanta, netting 20 goals across all competitions. Valued at around £50 million, Lookman was seen as a viable alternative to Kudus if the West Ham deal had collapsed.
Yet, the latest twist in Tottenham’s transfer saga sees them shifting their focus to South America. Fluminense winger Jhon Arias has emerged as a serious target, with reports from Spain suggesting that the club is preparing a formal bid for the Colombian international. Arias, who impressed during the Club World Cup and has expressed a desire to explore new challenges, is currently valued at €25 million (approximately £20 million) – a price Spurs view as exceptional value.
Arias vs. Eze: A Smarter Investment?
Another name that has long been associated with Tottenham is Eberechi Eze. The Crystal Palace midfielder has been on Spurs’ radar for the past couple of summers, and recent speculation hinted that a move could finally materialise this year. Eze, who is protected by a £68 million release clause, had a standout 2024/25 campaign with 26 goal contributions, attracting attention not just from Tottenham but also their fierce North London rivals, Arsenal.
With Arsenal now believed to be in the lead to secure Eze’s signature, Tottenham have opted to pursue other targets, and Arias has quickly climbed to the top of the list. While Eze is undoubtedly a top-tier talent, Arias may offer even greater value for money – both financially and statistically.
The Colombian international, described as “magical” by The Athletic’s Oliver Kay, has outperformed Eze in several key areas. Per 90 minutes, Arias has recorded more progressive carries and more entries into the final third, indicating a consistent ability to drive his team forward. He also boasts superior shot-on-target accuracy and a higher pass completion rate in attacking zones, making him a more efficient threat in the final third.
What’s more, Arias demonstrates greater physical presence than Eze, winning a higher percentage of aerial duels – an underrated but crucial trait for attackers in the Premier League. His creativity is also evident in the volume and quality of passes he makes into dangerous areas, often serving as the link between midfield and attack.
The Bigger Picture for Spurs and Frank
Adding Arias to the squad would be a shrewd move not only for his on-field contributions but also because of his modest price tag compared to Eze. At just £20 million, he represents a low-risk, high-reward investment for a club aiming to refresh its squad and compete at a higher level.
For Thomas Frank, players like Arias fit the mold of what he has historically succeeded with – technically gifted, tactically flexible, and hungry to prove themselves on a bigger stage. If Spurs can secure his signature, it would give the Danish manager a valuable weapon as he builds a team capable of challenging for a top-four finish and making a deep run in Europe.
As Tottenham gear up for life under new leadership, the pursuit of smart, cost-effective signings like Arias suggests a strategic shift in recruitment – one that balances ambition with pragmatism. And if these moves pay off, the 2025/26 season could mark the beginning of a new, successful era for the Lilywhites.