Spurs set to make bid for “magical” £20m star

Tottenham Hotspur will be entering a new era during the 2024/25 campaign, with Thomas Frank the latest manager to try and be a success in North London.

The Dane takes the reins as the Lilywhites’ boss after seven successful years in charge of Brentford, in which he achieved an impressive win percentage of 43%.

However, he’s demonstrated that he’s able to thrive in the Premier League on a shoestring budget, having the chance to work with larger funds across the capital.

He’s also showcased that he’s able to develop players into top-level talents, with the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa both touted with big-money moves away during this window.

Whilst both have been linked with a reunion with their former boss at Spurs, neither are expected to join the club, with numerous other names mentioned during the ongoing window.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Mohammed Kudus is a player who has been hugely on their shortlist this summer, with a £55m agreement having been struck for the West Ham United star, as per The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

Ademola Lookman had been seen as an alternative to the Ghanaian, with the Atalanta star potentially available for £50m after scoring 20 times across all competitions in 2024/25.

However, their attention appears to have turned to Fluminense star Jhon Arias, with the Colombian a player of huge admiration by the hierarchy, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that the Lilywhites are set to submit an offer for the 27-year-old in the coming days, currently being valued at around the €25m (£20m) mark by the Brazilian outfit.

It also states that his current employers may find it hard to keep hold of the attacker during this window, after he expressed his desire for a new challenge after impressing at the Club World Cup.

Why Spurs’ £20m target would be a better signing than Eze

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is a player who’s been on Spurs’ radar over the last couple of summers, but no deal has ever been agreed for his services.

The 27-year-old looked as though he could finally join the Lilywhites this window, potentially triggering the £68m release clause in his current contract at Selhurst Park.

However, after registering 26 combined goals and assists last season, competition for his signature has been extremely high, with North London rivals Arsenal also in the race for the England international.

Mikel Arteta’s side now appear to be leading the race to land the attacking midfielder, leading to Frank’s side targeting other reinforcements as a result.

Arias is just one of the players currently in their sights, with the Colombian star possessing a very similar skillset to Eze, both liking to drive forward with the ball at their feet.

The Fluminense star, who’s been labelled “magical” by The Athletic’s Oliver Kay, registered more progressive carries and carries into the final third than Eze per 90, showcasing his ability to get the ball into dangerous areas.

Upon getting into such areas, he posted a higher shot on target accuracy rate, having the ability to finish the attack himself or tee up a teammate – as seen by his higher tally of passes into the final third per 90.

His all-round dominance over the Palace star is further reflected in his higher aerial success and pass completion rates, with his skillset providing a real threat to backlines across the Premier League should he join.

Given the difference in stats, it’s evident that Arias would be a superb addition to Frank’s side, handing the Dane the talent and depth he desires in such a department.

The stats are just one selling point, but the fact he’s available for nearly £50m cheaper is another huge factor in any potential move, hopefully able to make a name for himself in North London throughout 2025/26 and beyond.

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