Move over Eze: Spurs preparing move for “unstoppable” PL talent, he’s just like Rodrygo
Tottenham Hotspur fans have been left frustrated and vocal over the past few days, and it’s easy to understand why. The club’s pursuit of Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze collapsed at the final hurdle, leaving supporters questioning both the ambition and decisiveness of the Spurs hierarchy in the final stretch of the summer transfer window.
The urgency to sign an attacking midfielder intensified after James Maddison suffered an ACL injury during pre-season, a setback that left Ange Postecoglou’s squad without their chief creator. Talks with Palace began swiftly, with reports suggesting that Spurs were prepared to meet the Eagles’ £60 million valuation. Eze, keen on a step up in his career, had reportedly given the green light to a move, with many insiders convinced he would be wearing white in North London before the September 1st deadline.
But in typical transfer drama fashion, negotiations faltered. Spurs hesitated, and their hesitation proved costly. North London rivals Arsenal swooped in, taking advantage of Tottenham’s indecision and moving quickly to secure the 27-year-old. Eze is now expected to be unveiled at the Emirates within days — a bitter pill for Spurs supporters, who watched one of their biggest needs being filled instead by their fiercest rivals.
For new manager Thomas Frank, the failure to land Eze is a significant setback. The Danish coach had identified the England international as a cornerstone for his attacking rebuild, particularly with Champions League football on the horizon following last season’s Europa League triumph. Now, with the window ticking down, Spurs must scramble to identify and land an alternative.
Spurs turning to Eze alternatives
The market is limited, but names are emerging. One potential option is Nico Paz, the highly-rated Argentine midfielder currently shining for Serie A side Como. At just 20 years old, Paz is considered a gem, but signing him would not come cheap. Como are demanding around £60 million, and with Real Madrid owed a hefty sell-on clause, Daniel Levy would need to sanction another major outlay.
Another intriguing name on Tottenham’s radar is Christopher Nkunku of Chelsea. According to TEAMtalk, the Blues are open to offloading the Frenchman just two years after paying £52m to sign him from RB Leipzig. Injuries and inconsistency have limited his impact at Stamford Bridge, but Spurs view him as a versatile option capable of filling multiple attacking roles — as a number ten, centre-forward, or wide forward.
Reports suggest Tottenham are firmly in the race for Nkunku, though it remains uncertain whether the player himself would be willing to swap one London club for another before the window closes.
Rodrygo comparisons highlight Nkunku’s appeal
Tottenham’s hunt for a marquee attacker has at times focused on Rodrygo of Real Madrid, particularly after Heung-min Son’s departure to LAFC earlier this summer. Rodrygo, highly coveted across Europe, has attracted interest from Liverpool and Manchester City. But his £86m price tag has proven too steep for Spurs, especially after their significant spending earlier in the window.
That financial reality has led Tottenham to consider alternatives like Nkunku, who, despite his struggles at Chelsea, still boasts impressive underlying numbers. FBref data even likens him to Rodrygo, showing that he not only matches but occasionally surpasses the Brazilian in key statistical areas.
Last season, Nkunku recorded similar goals and assists per 90 minutes while posting a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, suggesting he could bring more efficiency in front of goal. He also completed a greater percentage of his passes and averaged more key passes per match, offering the creative spark Tottenham are desperate for after Maddison’s injury blow. His aerial presence and adaptability further strengthen his case as a useful addition to Frank’s system.
A shrewd opportunity for Spurs?
While Nkunku may not have been Tottenham’s first-choice target, circumstances could make him a shrewd signing. He offers experience, versatility, and creativity — all qualities Spurs urgently need — and crucially, he would cost significantly less than Rodrygo. If Tottenham can strike a deal and Frank can help the Frenchman rediscover his Leipzig form, this could turn into one of the more astute transfers of the window.
Missing out on Eze is undoubtedly a painful moment for Spurs fans, especially with Arsenal benefitting from their misstep. But with the window still open and alternatives like Nkunku available, Tottenham have a chance to salvage the situation and reinforce their squad for what promises to be a demanding season at home and abroad.