Tottenham ready to gazump Arsenal with playmaker deal: report

🎯 1. Spurs Set to Gazump Arsenal: Target Is Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly gearing up to reignite their pursuit of Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, in a move aimed at outmaneuvering Arsenal. According to TEAMtalk, Spurs are not only prepared to trigger his £68 million release clause, but may even offer a player-plus-cash package—with Eze actively pushing for a move to Spurs, despite Arsenal also being heavily involved in talks. This marks a direct challenge to North London rivals.turn0search0

Recent betting markets further suggested that Arsenal had initially held favour for Eze, but Tottenham remain firmly in the race—underlining the drama of a potential playmaker coup.turn0news15turn0news12

---

🔄 2. Player Ambition: Eze Pushing for Spurs Switch Over Arsenal

TEAMtalk’s inside sources confirm that Eberechi Eze wants to join Tottenham, even though Arsenal and other clubs like Manchester United and Newcastle are also pursuing him. Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are mentioned—but Eze appears to favour Frank’s project in north London. Tottenham reportedly believe they have an edge through the player’s own preference.turn0search0

If Spurs indeed push and seal a deal, it would not only secure a key midfield orchestrator but also represent a strategic headline move over Arsenal.

---

🧠 3. Why Tottenham Might Be Willing to Gazump Arsenal

A. Creative Deficit and Arsenal-Ranked Competition

• Arsenal made the semi-finals of the Champions League last season, while Spurs took the Europa League title but struggled in the Premier League—finishing 17th. Filling creative gaps is essential.turn0search4turn0news18turn0news17turn0news13
• Thomas Frank, Spurs’ new head coach, is said to prioritise a dynamic, high-intensity system. A playmaker like Eze could provide the spark needed in creative midfield roles.turn0search1turn0news19

B. Spurs’ Financial Finesse and Levy Strategy

• With recent transfers including Mohammed Kudus and potential moves for Rodrygo, Spurs are showing willingness to break transfer records and stretch budgets. The £68 million release clause is large—but Spurs may see Eze as worth it.turn0news13turn0news16turn0news19
• Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy reportedly aims to push Palace to reduce the clause or structure a deal creatively—perhaps with player exchange—to tilt negotiations in Spurs’ favour.turn0reddit26

C. Project Appeal for Player

• Spurs’ status as Europa League winners and Champions League entrants may allure Eze more than Arsenal’s quieter summer so far.turn0news13turn0search1
• A move to Spurs could bring earlier first-team assurances in a side seeking dynamic, creative midfield rotation, possibly more appealing than Arsenal’s crowded midfield.turn0search1turn0search0

---

📊 4. Eze’s Profile: Why He’s So Desirable

• Position: Versatile attacking midfielder/winger, capable of playing centrally or wide.
• 2024–25 stats: 14 goals, 11 assists in 43 appearances, including the FA Cup final winner vs Man City. Oliver Glasner described him as “absolutely top”, “always dangerous” and “an unbelievable finisher”.turn0search0turn0news12
• Market value: £68 million release clause structure involves 90% up‑front payment (≈£55 million) plus add-ons. Spurs reportedly trying to reduce initial outlay.turn0reddit26
• Other clubs: Arsenal are favourites in bets, but interest also from Manchester United, Newcastle, Aston Villa, and European clubs such as Bayern Munich and PSG. Spurs are reporting direct engagement with both club and player.turn0search0turn0news15turn0news12

---

⚔ 5. Arsenal vs Spurs: Battle for the Playmaker

Arsenal’s Position

• Arsenal have moved faster on other targets (e.g. Noni Madueke) and remain odds-on favourites for Eze in betting markets. However, Spurs are still considered viable challengers.turn0news15turn0news12
• Rumours suggest Arsenal’s interest may be tempered by past experiences where they have “shied away” from perceived character issues. Spurs may see that as opportunity.turn0reddit26

Spurs’ Edge

• Eze is reportedly eager to move to Tottenham and even after talks with Arsenal and others, Spurs believe they can seal the deal.turn0search0turn0reddit26
• Tottenham’s manager Thomas Frank favouring Eze could provide a more persuasive project line than Arsenal’s static approach so far.turn0news18turn0search1

---

📅 6. Timeline & Deal Logistics

Milestone	Description
Early June 2024	Arsenal and Spurs begin exploring Eze; Arsenal initially favourites via betting markets.turn0search1turn0news15
May–Early July 2025	Eze reportedly pushes for Spurs move; clubs battle over clause.turn0search0turn0news12
July 2025	Tottenham preparing release clause trigger or player-plus-cash package; negotiation intensifies.turn0search0turn0news15turn0news12

Spurs may leverage a creative deal structure to meet Palace’s valuation. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s hesitance or slower progress may open the door for a Spurs takeover.

---

🧭 7. Strategic Impacts if Spurs Sign Eze

A. Tactical Enhancement

• Eze brings vision, agility, and creativity—abilities missing from their midfield. His inclusion could enable smooth rotations alongside Kudus, Maddison, or Bentancur.turn0search1turn0news19

B. Psychological & Rivalry Factor

• Gazumping Arsenal—particularly over a London rival in a high-profile transfer—would send a strong message of intent. Spurs would portray themselves as proactive and bold under Levy and Frank.

C. Transfer Precedent

• Spurs have already demonstrated willingness to push big sums on targets like Gibbs‑White, Kudus, and potential Rodrygo. Securing Eze reinforces a shift from cautious Levy years to assertive recruitment.turn0news13turn0news16

D. Long-Term Planning

• At 26, Eze offers both current impact and resale potential. Should he flourish in Champions League fixtures, his value could rise further, aligning with Levy’s financial model.

---

🔍 8. What Could Stall the Deal?

Arsenal Reignite Momentum

• If Arsenal aligns quickly on terms or structures a smarter approach, they could reclaim advantage—due to Eze’s London affinity and their stable culture.

Palace Block Resistance

• Despite the clause, Palace may demand full payment or reject structured swaps—Levy’s negotiation prowess will be tested.turn0reddit26

Spurs Financial Limits

• A player-plus-cash approach may complicate wage structure or squad balance, and there is risk if Eze fails to meet expectations.

---

🚦 9. What Happens Next?

1. Official announcement if Spurs trigger clause or confirm player inclusion.
2. Palace resistance or renegotiation attempts around clause structure.
3. Eze’s public statements may clarify preference.
4. Premature leaks on wages, bonus structure, release provisions may emerge.
5. Arsenal response: potentially launching a bid with different terms or pivoting elsewhere.

---

✅ TL;DR Summary

• Tottenham are preparing to gazump Arsenal in pursuit of Eberechi Eze, ready to trigger his £68 million release clause, and may offer a player-plus-cash package.
• Eze reportedly prefers Spurs, despite interest from Arsenal and other big clubs.
• Spurs see Eze as a transformational playmaker who fits Thomas Frank’s project; landing him over Arsenal would send a powerful statement of ambition.
• Key dynamics include demanding negotiating structure, player’s ambition, and club willingness to spend boldly—a major shift from prior Levy caution.
• Arsenal remain in the running, but Spurs may finally seize the initiative in this high-stakes London transfer duel.turn0search0turn0news19turn0news13turn0news12turn0news15turn0search1turn0reddit26