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A bullet dodged?- Mikel Arteta reveals bizarre tactic Tottenham target used to seal Arsenal switch

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Pranav Ravindrannair | Last updated Aug 23, 2025 7:49 PM ET

Eberechi Eze phoned in Arsenal transfer despite discussions with Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur fans were left stunned last week after Eberechi Eze’s dramatic U-turn saw him swap a move to N17 for Arsenal, despite Spurs agreeing a £60million fee with Crystal Palace. The saga has taken another twist after Mikel Arteta confirmed that it was Eze himself who phoned him directly to push for the switch to the Emirates.

For Spurs, the revelation feels like salt in the wound. Having tracked Eze for months and made him their number one target to replace the injured James Maddison, Tottenham were confident of bringing the England international to north London. Talks with Palace had reached the finish line, only for Arsenal to swoop in at the last minute, hijacking the deal.

Spurs left empty-handed

From Tottenham’s perspective, this is a major setback. Eze would have been the perfect fit in Thomas Frank’s system, a versatile playmaker who can operate as a No. 10 or drift into wide areas, linking seamlessly with the likes of Richarlison, Solanke, and Kudus.

Instead, Spurs now find themselves back at square one. With Maddison sidelined for most of the season, the need for a creative spark remains urgent. The failure to land Eze forces the club to quickly shift focus, with names like Bilal El Khannouss, Savinho, and Rodrygo Goes now back on the radar.

Arteta’s claim adds to frustration

Speaking after Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds, Arteta revealed via The Mirror:

“That shows you how much he wanted to come.”

While Arsenal fans celebrated Eze’s commitment, Spurs fans are left questioning whether they were chasing a player whose heart was already elsewhere. Tottenham offered him the stage to be the main man in midfield, but ultimately, Eze chose boyhood allegiance over footballing opportunity.

Time to move on!

There is no denying Eze’s quality, but Spurs cannot afford to dwell. This summer’s recruitment drive has already seen Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha arrive, while the hunt for another marquee attacker continues. The setback with Eze may prove a blessing in disguise if Daniel Levy and the recruitment team manage to land a younger, hungrier star who genuinely buys into the project.

The market still holds opportunities, and Tottenham remain an attractive destination with Champions League football secured and Frank’s project taking shape.

Eze’s decision hurts, particularly as it strengthens Arsenal at Tottenham’s expense. But for all the frustration, Spurs still hold the cards to finish the summer strongly. A bullet dodged? That may only be clear once the window shuts and Levy delivers Frank the reinforcements he desperately needs.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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