EXCLUSIVE: With Mbeumo and Norgaard Departed, Eze Emerges as Spurs’ Essential Target

Tottenham Hotspur supporters are eagerly anticipating the first significant signing of the Thomas Frank era, though the indications to date have not been particularly encouraging.

At Frank’s previous club, Brentford, his standout performers were Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Norgaard. Both players were of interest to Tottenham upon his appointment, but Mbeumo is set to join Manchester United, and Norgaard appears to be heading to Arsenal.

Currently, Eberechi Eze is the most thrilling potential acquisition on the horizon (check out our analysis on how he would integrate into Spurs)… However, mounting apprehension suggests that Arsenal may also be a serious contender for his signature.

This situation enhances the urgency for Spurs to act swiftly.

Several targets have already slipped away

The club seems to be taking a calm approach, but for fans, it raises familiar concerns about a perceived lack of ambition, even after breaking their trophy drought by winning the Europa League.

Other key targets have already eluded them. The talented attacker Rooney Bardghji has chosen Barcelona, while Rayan Cherki, initially tempted, opted to wait for a more lucrative deal and ultimately signed with Manchester City.

In the midfield department, Angel Gomes has opted for Marseille, and Johnny Cardoso, initially a target, is set to join Atletico Madrid. Danish midfielder Victor Froholdt from FC Copenhagen has also been linked, but Eintracht Frankfurt appears to be closing in on him as well.

While Spurs will claim there was only tentative interest in Brentford’s Mbeumo and Norgaard, considering their active pursuit of a wide attacker and a holding midfielder, missing out on both is difficult to overlook.

Insiders at Spurs privately concede that the early signs are far from ideal, but there is still confidence that Tottenham will make notable signings.

Attention now turns to Eze, the most promising candidate for a headline acquisition. It’s crucial for them to establish concrete contact soon or risk missing another opportunity.

Spurs have also investigated other attacking possibilities, including Mbeumo and Bournemouth’s £65 million-rated Antoine Semenyo, but Eze is viewed as the most financially viable option among the three.

What’s the latest on Eze?

The Crystal Palace star has a release clause in his contract set at £60 million, payable in three instalments of £20 million, along with potential bonuses amounting to an additional £8 million. It’s understood that this clause is active and that the player is open to offers.

Eze’s unique combination of flair, strength, and finishing ability makes him one of the most coveted players in this summer’s transfer market. Reports suggest he would consider a move to Spurs, but the club needs to act decisively as he is also weighing the possibility of a transfer to Arsenal.

Arsenal has Eze in consideration as a top backup option for Rodrygo (read about their pursuit here), while sources indicate that Newcastle, Manchester City, and Chelsea are also monitoring his situation.

Spurs are about to gauge their chances of luring him to North London, but they are also keeping their options open, looking at alternative targets should they fail.

Reports confirm that Mohammed Kudus is on their radar as he seeks to depart West Ham United. Furthermore, Xavi Simons of RB Leipzig is one of the players they are assessing, along with Brighton duo Kaoru Mitoma and Joao Pedro, who have caught their attention as attacking options.

This week, Tottenham did announce a signing: Japanese defender Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale for £5 million. It’s a positive move, but it doesn’t quite elevate expectations to the level they require.

A player like Eze – or even Kudus or Simons – could serve as the face of a new era under Frank. The pressing question now is whether Spurs will finalise a deal or allow another opportunity to slip through their fingers.