The summer of 2025 will be remembered by Tottenham Hotspur fans as the one where a dream transfer slipped through their fingers, potentially altering the club's trajectory for years to come. Eberechi Eze, the Crystal Palace star, was seemingly on the verge of joining Spurs, only for Arsenal to swoop in at the last minute and secure his signature. This dramatic turn of events not only robbed Tottenham of a key target but also handed a significant victory to their North London rivals, leaving Spurs to grapple with the repercussions.
Eze's move to Arsenal had been brewing for some time. While Tottenham were deep in negotiations, Arsenal had quietly established a framework for a deal with Crystal Palace as early as August 10th. The Gunners' initial interest cooled as they focused on other targets and potentially needed to sell players first. However, an injury to Kai Havertz reignited their pursuit, and they moved swiftly to hijack the deal. Arsenal ultimately matched Eze's £60 million release clause, plus a potential £7.5 million in add-ons, surpassing Tottenham's final offer. Crucially, Eze, a boyhood Arsenal fan, preferred a move to the Emirates. He reportedly even contacted Mikel Arteta to explore any last-minute chance of Arsenal signing him.
The impact of this transfer on Tottenham's future is multifaceted. Firstly, it left a gaping hole in their attacking plans. Eze, known for his flair, creativity, and goal-scoring ability, was envisioned as a key component of Thomas Frank's team. With James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski facing injuries, Eze's arrival would have provided a major boost to Tottenham's creative options. Instead, Spurs were left scrambling for alternatives as the transfer window neared its end.
Secondly, the failed transfer raised questions about Tottenham's ability to compete for top talent. Despite having Champions League participation, they missed out on several attacking targets. This near-miss fueled concerns that Tottenham were not assertive enough in the transfer market, potentially hindering their progress.
Thirdly, Eze's move to Arsenal further strengthened their rival's squad. The England international has seamlessly integrated into Arteta's system, showcasing his versatility on the left wing and as a number 10. His arrival has added another dimension to Arsenal's attack, making them an even more formidable force in the Premier League. As of November 20, 2025, Eze has made 16 appearances for Arsenal, scoring two goals and providing three assists.
In the wake of Eze's transfer, Tottenham have been linked with several other players, including Samu Aghehowa, Antoine Semenyo, Davide Frattesi, and Matheus Cunha. However, none of these potential signings possess the same blend of creativity and Premier League experience that Eze would have brought to the team. As the January transfer window approaches, Tottenham are under pressure to bolster their squad and prove that they can still attract top players despite the Eze setback. Manager Ange Postecoglou is under pressure to turn things around, and chairman Daniel Levy may back him with a spending spree.
The ripple effects of Eberechi Eze's move to Arsenal will likely be felt for seasons to come. While Arsenal have gained a dynamic attacker, Tottenham have been left to ponder what might have been, and to navigate a future forever altered by the one that got away.
