Tottenham push for Eberechi Eze as Arsenal cool interest while Savinho pursuit remains alive

Tottenham have accelerated efforts to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, with multiple reports indicating formal talks are being prepared and the player open to the move. Fabrizio Romano reported that Eze has let Palace know he wants Champions League football and is keen on Spurs, shifting the dynamic from exploratory interest to an active negotiation phase. That aligns with fresh reporting that Tottenham are ready to approach Palace and test their resolve. 

There is an important financial wrinkle to this chase. Different outlets have quoted different numbers on Eze’s clause and timing. The Times reports Spurs are aiming for a package in the mid to high forty millions plus add-ons, below a clause figure referenced near sixty. ESPN has separately suggested the original clause was around sixty-eight and due to expire in August, which introduces urgency and uncertainty over the exact mechanism and price. The consensus is that Tottenham want to negotiate under any headline clause and structure a deal that fits their budget. 

Arsenal’s stance has also shifted. Interest from the Emirates was real earlier in the window, yet reliable reporting now indicates the Gunners have cooled in the past fortnight, focusing instead on internal options and balancing minutes for emerging talents. That softening clears the path for Spurs to move first and fastest, provided they can find common ground with Palace. 

Why Eze Fits What Thomas Frank Wants

Eze brings a profile Tottenham have lacked since James Maddison’s injury altered their attacking rhythm. He carries the ball through the middle third, beats pressure, and arrives in scoring zones with timing rather than pure speed. His chance creation off the dribble complements the wide threats in a Frank system that leans on fluid rotations and midfielders who can break lines on their own. Sky Sports has framed Spurs’ needs clearly this month as a creative midfielder, a winger, and a defender before the deadline. Eze drops straight into the top of that list because he is both creator and scorer with Premier League proof. 

The attraction is not just style. Eze’s availability between the lines would lighten the load on Spurs’ forwards, who have been asked to do a lot of self-creation. He offers set-piece quality, progressive carries, and a knack for quick wall passes in tight spaces that make a possession team less predictable. Tottenham attempted similar outcomes with other targets earlier in the summer, and the failed pursuit of Morgan Gibbs White underlined their willingness to back a premium creator. Moving decisively for Eze would be a coherent pivot rather than a scramble. 

From Palace’s perspective, this is a test of valuation and timing. There is profit share due to QPR on any sale above the original fee, which increases the importance of headline price for Palace. They will be reluctant sellers unless a bid lands near their internal valuation, and the clause context gives them leverage. 

Savinho remains on the table and complicates Tottenham’s choices

While Eze sits at the top of the creative midfield list, Spurs are simultaneously pushing on Savinho, the Brazil winger owned by Manchester City. Multiple reports indicate an opening bid was knocked back, and City have set a firm asking price in the upper sixty millions. The Times put the figure at around sixty-seven, with Spurs expected to return with an improved proposal. That valuation reflects Savinho’s age, production across league and Europe last season, and club-controlled contract situation. 

Tottenham’s hierarchy now faces a strategic call. Eze and Savinho solve different problems. Eze adds central craft and ball carrying in crowded zones. Savinho would add one-versus-one threat on the right, stretch the pitch, and create separation in transition. Pursuing both would be transformative but extremely expensive. Current reporting suggests Spurs are prioritizing Eze while keeping Savinho talks alive in case terms with Palace prove too difficult. City are not pushing the winger out and will only sell at their price, which keeps that negotiation delicate. 

There is also the question of immediate readiness. Eze is a plug-and-play Premier League creator who already thrives centrally. Savinho offers ceiling on the flank and would diversify the attack, although the adaptation curve to a new team can be steeper for a young winger asked to start right away. Spurs’ staff will be weighing those trade-offs against budget and squad balance. 

What The Next Few Days Could Look Like

Expect Spurs to test Palace with a structured offer that moves toward the middle ground between the reported clause numbers and Tottenham’s preferred fee. Add-ons tied to appearances, team performance, and European qualification could bridge a gap while protecting both sides. TalkSPORT and The Times have both suggested a willingness from Spurs to move quickly, with Palace braced for a formal bid. If Arsenal stay cool, Tottenham’s path is clearer, although Palace’s internal stance will ultimately determine the pace. 

From the City side, Savinho talks will hinge on whether Spurs are prepared to go close to the asking price or present a structure City actually likes. Reporting across several outlets describes an initial offer rejected and a follow-up being readied. If Spurs can advance Eze this week, they might circle back to Savinho only if outgoings and budget space allow. The headline is that nothing in that pursuit is off, yet the price is high, and City holds strong cards. 

One subplot to watch is how Tottenham covers the creative load if Palace holds firm and Savinho becomes the near-term priority. Sky Sports has noted Spurs want both a ten and a winger, which keeps alive the possibility of two significant attacking arrivals if finances stretch that far. The calculus changes if Palace demands full clause cash up front or if City digs in on fee certainty. 

Final Thoughts 

Tottenham have real momentum with Eberechi Eze. The player is receptive, the need is clear, and the competition has cooled for now. The transfer still comes down to price and structure, especially given the ambiguities around the clause window. Parallel interest in Savinho shows Spurs intend to add senior end product in the final third before the deadline, not just depth. If they land Eze and keep pushing for Savinho, it would mark a decisive end to the window and reshape Thomas Frank’s attacking options immediately.