Eberechi Eze in Tottenham shirt with Thomas Frank in circular frame
Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media/Imago
Josh Edwards
Sat 30 August 2025 19:10, UK
Eberechi Eze was linked with a move to Tottenham this summer, but landed at rivals Arsenal.
Daniel Levy is known for his transfer failings at Tottenham, and this summer has certainly followed suit.
After Tottenham were linked with a move to sign Eze, it emerged hours later that Arsenal had stepped up their interest and eventually completed the deal.
Once again, blame was directed towards Levy for another missed opportunity, but it seems Spurs were running a race they were never going to win.
Tottenham target Eberechi Eze celebrates with the Community Shield trophy.
Credit: Imago
This article includes exclusive comment from former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson.
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Eberechi Eze is a boyhood Arsenal supporter
Eze would have been a great addition, though Xavi Simons’ arrival at Tottenham is likely to subdue the concerns that emerged from missing out on him.
While blame will be thrown around for the failure to land Eze, Paul Robinson believes it was always destined to be.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “I don’t think they were ever going to get Eze. I think the pictures have emerged of him being an Arsenal fan as a kid.
“If Arsenal were interested, I don’t think Tottenham were ever in the race.
Eze’s record at Crystal Palace
169 appearances in all competitions
40 goals
29 assists
“In all honesty, the media and the press, the speculation around it, if Arsenal had been interested for the same amount as reported that Tottenham have, I think there was only going to be one winner because of his background and who he supported as a kid.
“I think that there’s been a lot made of it because it was Arsenal. But I think if Arsenal weren’t in the race to sign him, Tottenham would have got the player over the line.
Tottenham target Xavi Simons celebrating for RB Leipzig
Credit: Bundesliga
Xavi Simons arrival deserves more attention
Simons may not have the Premier League experience that Eze has, but he has several other assets that could make his arrival at Tottenham a better signing.
Firstly, his age.
Simons is five years younger than Eze, having spent several years already at the top of his game while playing in the Bundesliga and Eredivisie.
In his last three campaigns, Simons has hit double figures for goals and matched that with assists in all but one campaign.
His versatility will make him a key player under Thomas Frank, who is known for his willingness to make changes depending on the situation or opponent.
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