Tottenham explored signing Eberechi Eze at the end of June intending to make him the centrepiece of a new project under Thomas Frank. Arsenal's sporting director Andrea Berta also expressed interest and opened multiple recruitment conversations to keep options open. Spurs adopted a more cautious stance, with internal talk suggesting the transfer was unlikely and agent narratives prevailing. Concerns included sparking a direct battle with Arsenal, where Eze has childhood ties, an academy history and personal affinity. Eze would consider competitive prospects, with Mikel Arteta publicly rating him highly and presenting a stronger title-challenge argument, which shifted Eze's preference.
It would be wrong to get too far ahead of anything on this one. But it was impossible to ignore the alternative reading: Spurs did not want to be drawn into a battle with their rivals over one of the most exciting talents on the market. Spurs were fearful of that, and for good reason. They had to know that, given the choice, Eze would go for Arsenal over them.
He had supported Arsenal as a kid and played in their academy until his release as a 13-year-old; the line about how he cried for a week afterwards is a well-known part of his story. Yet it would not only be about dreams and unfinished business. Eze would surely look at the Premier League table from last season. At which club would he stand the better chance of winning the title?
Collection
[
|
...
]