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The reported transfer drama of Eberechi Eze began earlier this month when Tottenham Hotspurs, under Thomas Frank’s leadership, identified him to bolster their attacking midfield. The former Brentford manager, who took over at Spurs in July 2025 following Ange Postecoglou’s departure, was reportedly eager to make a statement signing after losing key midfielder James Maddison to a season-ending ACL injury during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle. But in a major twist, Arsenal hijacked Tottenham’s pursuit, agreeing a reported £67.5 million deal to sign the 27-year-old England international, as confirmed by multiple reports.
The transfer saga saw Spurs confident of finalizing the deal on Wednesday before Arsenal reportedly swooped in. Reacting to this situation, Tottenham Hotspurs' head coach Thomas Frank has reportedly declared that the club will only pursue players fully committed to wearing the Spurs badge. Frank’s remarks were made during a press conference ahead of Tottenham’s Premier League clash with Leeds United. “In general, I don’t want any players that don’t want to come to this club and wear this fantastic badge,” he said while expressing his disappointment.
Eberechi Eze’s loss is second for Tottenham Hotspurs following Morgan Gibbs-White
Reports claim that Thomas Frank also hinted towards Tottenham Hotspurs being resolute in his transfer strategy. However, the loss of Eberechi Eze marks Tottenham’s second transfer setback this summer, following Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White opting to sign a new contract after Spurs triggered his release clause. The Spurs will now reportedly turn to alternative targets, including Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, to reinforce their attack before the September 1 transfer deadline.
However, Crystal Palace’s insistence on keeping Eze for their Europa Conference League play-off first leg against Norwegian side Fredrikstad on Thursday, August 21, 2025, reportedly delayed the transfer’s completion. This hesitation is said to have provided Arsenal with a window to act. By Thursday, August 22, 2025 evening, Eze was left out of Palace’s 1-0 win over Fredrikstad. His move to Arsenal, reportedly at £60 million with £7.5 million in add-ons, represents a significant coup for Mikel Arteta’s side, who have spent nearly £200 million this window on players like Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Christian Norgaard.
