Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer window has already seen two players walk through the door this summer in the form of Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha from West Ham and Bayern Munich respectively.
However, new boss Thomas Frank will evidently want further reinforcements to bolster his squad after the UEFA Super Cup final showing against PSG last night.
The Lilywhites stormed into a two-goal lead against the Champions League winners, but were unable to sustain their excellent early showing – highlighting the need for added quality and depth.
His side ultimately lost the game against the Parisians on penalties, with the board needing to back the 51-year-old to build on his side’s impressive first-half showing in Italy.
One area of the pitch is in desperate need of reinforcements before the September 1st deadline, with work currently being done behind the scenes to land one of their key targets.
Spurs working on deal to sign Eberechi Eze alternative
Over recent days, Spurs have been working on a deal to land Como star Nico Paz after his impressive breakout season in Italy for the Serie A outfit.
It’s been reported that the Lilywhites hierarchy are huge admirers of the 20-year-old, who registered 14 goal contributions last season, but any deal could cost them upwards of £60m this summer.
However, he’s not the only player the side are hunting for in such an area, with Barcelona star Dani Olmo another option for Frank’s side, according to one Spanish outlet.
They claim that Frank’s side are currently leading the race for the Spaniard’s signature at present, that’s despite interest from Saudi Arabia for the 27-year-old’s signature.
They also state the LaLiga giants are prepared to offload the attacking midfielder before the end of the window, but are current demanding a fee in the region of €60m (£52m).
Why Spurs’ latest target would be better than Eze
In their attempt to bolster the squad, Spurs have once again been in talks with Crystal Palace over a deal to land England international Eberechi Eze in the next couple of weeks.
He’s previously been on their radar during the current window, especially considering the £60m release clause that’s currently within his contract at Selhurst Park.
Frank’s side aren’t the only club currently in the race for his signature, with North London rivals Arsenal also battling the land the 27-year-old’s signature.
Given his record of 16 combined goals and assists in England’s top-flight last season, there’s no denying that he would be many of the supporters’ first choice for the number ten role.
However, given the interest in Eze from elsewhere, it’s no surprise to see other options being considered, with Olmo undoubtedly one of the best alternatives for the Lilywhites.
When comparing his stats to those of the Palace star from the recent campaign, the Spaniard managed to outperform him in key areas – potentially making him a better addition before the transfer deadline.
Olmo, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Transfermarkt’s Stefan Bienkowski, posted a better goal and assist per 90 rate, while also scoring more of his efforts placed on goal – subsequently providing a more consistent threat in the final third.
How Olmo & Eze compare throughout 2024/25 |
||
---|---|---|
Statistics (per 90) |
Olmo |
Eze |
Games played |
25 |
34 |
Goals & assists |
13 |
16 |
Goals & assists per 90 |
0.97 |
0.56 |
Progressive carries |
2.5 |
2.4 |
Progressive passes |
6.1 |
3.3 |
Goals per shot on target |
0.5 |
0.2 |
Pass accuracy |
81% |
74% |
Passes into final third |
3.6 |
1.7 |
Take-on success |
51% |
48% |
Carries into final third |
2.6 |
1.6 |
Stats via FBref |
He also achieved higher tallies of progressive passes per 90 and passes made into the final third, offering a more creative presence in the number ten role within Frank’s side.
The former RB Leipzig star’s dominance over Eze is further highlighted by his better take-on success rate, able to single-handedly progress the ball into dangerous areas, before having the tools to finish off his runs – as seen by his aforementioned stats.
It would be another hefty investment from the board, but it’s clear that Spurs would be landing themselves the top-level talent they crave in such a department.
Eze would be an excellent Premier League-proven option for the side, but ultimately, if the club are to become consistent title contenders, they will need elite signings – with Olmo evidently providing just that this summer.