The attacking midfield position is one that has caused Thomas Frank no end of trouble since taking the reins at Tottenham Hotspur earlier this summer.
The Dane made his ambitions of strengthening the position evident early on, after making a £60m move for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White back in July.
However, a move fell through for the Englishman’s signature before James Maddison suffered an ACL injury that could rule him out of the majority of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Such situations have highlighted the need for added depth in the number ten position, with no recognised attacking midfielder currently on the books, with Pape Sarr featuring in the role in the recent clash with Burnley.
That could all be about to change in the coming days, with Frank now making key moves for multiple talents across Europe to add the needed depth required for added success.
Spurs preparing move for an Eze alternative
Their ambitions of improving the squad had seen attention being turned to Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, although things have taken a turn on that front.
He’s been a key target over recent months, but after talks between the sides, it now appears the 27-year-old is edging toward a move to Arsenal instead, as revealed by David Ornstein on X, following a last-gasp hijack from the Gunners.
Other deals may well have to be pursued to land further attacking talents, with Atalanta star Ademola Lookman of interest, according to TBR Football.
The report claims that the Nigerian international has handed in a transfer request at the Serie A side, leading to his intermediaries offering him out to the Lilywhites.
It also states that Frank’s staff have been in talks with the 27-year-old and his representatives over a move, leading to a £40m transfer fee being mooted before the September 1st deadline.
Why Spurs’ £40m target would be a better signing than Eze
Eze has been a shining light in Palace’s success over the last couple of months, notching 25 combined goals and assists for Oliver Glasner’s side throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Numerous of his efforts popped up in key moments, including in the FA Cup final, helping the Eagles win their first ever major trophy with a 1-0 win over Manchester City at Wembley.
The figures he produced in the Premier League last season would certainly hand Frank the added quality he’s been craving, whilst also highlighting the backing he has from owner Daniel Levy to help the side reach the next level.
However, a deal for Lookman could prove to be a better addition for the side, offering added quality, but also more experience at the top level of the European game – something which Eze has lacked in his career.
The Nigerian has already made 37 appearances across all European competitions, notching 12 goals – including five in seven Champions League outings last campaign.
Such tallies would be of use given the Lilywhites’ upcoming European adventure, whilst also massively outperforming the Palace star in numerous areas from 2024/25.
Lookman, who’s been labelled “world-class” by commentator Mateo Bonetti, posted more combined goals and assists in league action, whilst also managing a better shot on target accuracy rate.
Such figures would add a needed goal threat to Frank’s side, something which is extremely important for a number ten, alongside their creative ability.
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How Lookman & Eze compared throughout 2024/25 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Lookman |
Eze |
|
Games played |
31 |
34 |
|
Goals & assists |
20 |
16 |
|
Shot on target accuracy |
40% |
27% |
|
Key passes made |
2.5 |
2.1 |
|
Passes into the opposition box |
1.7 |
1.3 |
|
Progressive carries |
5.7 |
2.4 |
|
Carries into the opposition box |
3.2 |
0.7 |
|
Crosses completed |
4.9 |
3.8 |
|
Aerial success rate |
57% |
15% |
|
Stats via FBref |
||
The former Everton star also managed to impress in chance creation, making more key passes and passes into the opposition box per 90, able to provide those ahead of him with crucial chances in front of goal.
Lookman’s dominance over Eze is further highlighted in his higher tallies of carries into the 18-yard box per 90, able to manoeuvre himself into dangerous positions.
Getting into threatening areas is one thing, but the Nigerian has showcased with his shooting stats that he has the ability to find the net himself – or even tee up a teammate if needed.
Both players would be excellent additions to the Lilywhites squad, offering key quality and depth in pivotal areas of the pitch – something which has been lacking in the early stages of 2025/26.
However, there’s no denying that the Atalanta star would be a better addition, not to mention a cheaper one too, given the £20m difference in their current asking prices.
