Can Tottenham Steal Chelsea's Transfer Target After Losing Eze to Arsenal?

In a surprising turn of events in the Premier League transfer market, Tottenham Hotspur have been urged to make a move for Xavi Simons in light of their failed bid for Eberechi Eze, who has joined Arsenal. With Spurs struggling with injuries to key players, the addition of Simons could provide much-needed depth and creativity to their squad.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Tottenham missed out on Eberechi Eze, who has signed with Arsenal for £68 million.
• Spurs are facing injury challenges, particularly with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski unavailable.
• Rene Meulensteen suggests Tottenham should target Xavi Simons, currently linked to Chelsea.
• Simons is valued at around £60 million by RB Leipzig, with Chelsea yet to secure a deal.
• Tottenham's performance has been strong this season, raising expectations as they seek reinforcements.

Tottenham's Transfer Dilemma

After a promising start to the season, Tottenham Hotspur find themselves in a precarious position following the loss of Eberechi Eze to their north London rivals, Arsenal. Spurs had been keen to secure the talented midfielder, but an aggressive bid from Arsenal sealed the deal, marking another missed opportunity for a club that has often found itself in similar situations.

Eberechi Eze's Move to Arsenal

Crystal Palace's Eze, a rising star in English football, was initially in talks with Tottenham, having even agreed on personal terms. However, the Gunners capitalised on Spurs' indecision, agreeing a £68 million transfer fee which highlights the competitive nature of the Premier League transfer market. Eze's arrival at Arsenal represents a significant boost for Mikel Arteta's squad, who are aiming for Premier League glory this season.

Impact on Tottenham's Season

With injuries to key players like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, Tottenham's need for attacking reinforcements has become even more pressing. The team's new manager, Thomas Frank, must navigate these challenges effectively to maintain their strong start, which included impressive victories against Burnley and Manchester City. The absence of Maddison particularly stings, as he has been a pivotal player in their attacking setup.

Looking Ahead: Potential Targets

In light of their recent setbacks, Tottenham are reportedly interested in Brazilian winger Savinho, currently with Manchester City. His eagerness to join Spurs could provide a much-needed boost to their attacking options. However, the more urgent suggestion from football analyst Rene Meulensteen is to consider hijacking Chelsea's ongoing negotiations for Xavi Simons.

Why Xavi Simons? A Strategic Fit for Spurs

Xavi Simons, a young Dutch talent, has been linked with a move to Chelsea, though terms with RB Leipzig remain unresolved. The 20-year-old is valued at approximately £60 million. Meulensteen notes that Simons' mobility and ability to drift between lines could be invaluable to Tottenham, especially with Maddison sidelined. His playing style could mesh well with Spurs' attacking philosophy.

The Current State of Chelsea's Pursuit

Chelsea's attempts to secure Simons have been ongoing, yet they have not finalised a deal. This presents Spurs with an opportunity to swoop in, especially given their recent struggles to land key targets. Should Tottenham decide to pursue Simons, they could potentially offer the player a more prominent role than he might find at Chelsea, who are competing for depth in similar positions.

The Broader Implications for Tottenham

Missing out on Eze has been described as a 'nightmare' for Spurs, with former player Jamie Redknapp expressing his disappointment over the club's negotiation tactics. The need for decisive action is clear; Tottenham must avoid being left behind in the transfer race, especially as they aim to solidify their position in the Premier League standings.

Recent Performance and Future Prospects

Despite the transfer woes, Tottenham's performances this season have shown promise. The opening win against Burnley and a stunning victory over Manchester City indicate that they have the potential to contend for significant accolades. However, sustaining this momentum will depend on their ability to adapt and strengthen their squad.

Conclusion

As the transfer window approaches its close, Tottenham must act quickly to bolster their squad. The potential signing of Xavi Simons could be a game-changer for the club, especially in light of their current injury crises. With the pressure mounting, will Spurs make the move to secure the Dutch international, or will they miss out once again?

As Tottenham navigates this pivotal moment in the season, fans are left wondering how the club will respond to the challenges ahead. Will they seize the opportunity to strengthen their squad, or will they continue to face setbacks? #TottenhamHotspur #TransferNews #XaviSimons

FAQs

What happened with Eberechi Eze's transfer?

Eberechi Eze was on the verge of joining Tottenham Hotspur but ultimately signed with Arsenal after they agreed a £68 million deal with Crystal Palace.

Why is Xavi Simons a target for Tottenham?

Xavi Simons is considered a potential target due to his ability to fill the creative void left by injured players like James Maddison. His playing style aligns well with Tottenham's needs.

What is the current status of Savinho's transfer to Tottenham?

Tottenham has expressed interest in signing Savinho from Manchester City, and the Brazilian winger is reportedly keen on making the move, though no official deal has been confirmed yet.

How have Tottenham performed this season?

Tottenham has had an impressive start to the season, winning key matches against Burnley and Manchester City, which raises expectations for their campaign.

What challenges is Tottenham facing with player injuries?

Injuries to key players like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski have created challenges for Tottenham, necessitating the need for additional attacking options in the squad.