Tottenham transfer window under fire as Eze moves to Arsenal

An editorial look at Tottenham's stalled transfer window as Eze appears to move to Arsenal and questions linger about their strategy after the Europa League triumph.

Missing out on Eberechi Eze underlines a sense Tottenham have failed to kick on after Europa League win

Three months after Tottenham Hotspur lifted silverware in the Europa League, the mood at the club has cooled. A bright start to the season gave way to tension as transfer business stalled. Tottenham failed to land Morgan Gibbs-White after Nottingham Forest stood firm, and the pursuit of Eberechi Eze now appears to be going Arsenal’s way. Palace reportedly resisted a sale because of their Europa Conference League tie, leaving Spurs to wonder what might have been. Even with a win over Burnley and a strong showing against Paris Saint-Germain, the market has not moved in Tottenham’s favor, and rivals have spent heavily.

Beyond the headlines, the squad’s shape remains fragile. Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison have been sidelined by injuries, and while Kudus has impressed, moving him to a central role could weaken Spurs out wide. Coach Thomas Frank has warned that a big, balanced squad is essential to compete in four tournaments, but the club risks a delicate balance between depth and happiness among players. With managers and buyers circling, the window is shrinking and Tottenham must decide how to act before time runs out.

The story goes beyond a single miss. It exposes a broader question about Spurs’ transfer philosophy under Daniel Levy and the new chief executive Vinai Venkatesham. Arsenal’s swift pivot to Eze after early interest shows how ruthlessness and timing can create a gap that is hard to close mid-window. Tottenham’s strategy appears more cautious, almost reactive, which can breed a perception of drift after the high of Bilbao. In a four-tournament season, depth matters more than a hero signing; the club needs a clear plan that aligns scouting, budget, and on-pitch ambition. The concern is not just lost targets but the risk of a wider failure to translate Europa League momentum into sustained progress.

If Tottenham cannot land a distinct No 10 and a reliable creative option, they risk lingering mid-table status and a growing disconnect with fans who expect a bold, coherent project. The upcoming days will reveal whether the club can convert potential into substance or whether the window will close with a sense of what could have been.

Highlights

The window may close, but the conversation about Tottenham’s direction will not.