Report: Tottenham prepared to pay nearly £70m to sign ex-Arsenal youth who gave Ange nightmares
The landscape of Tottenham Hotspur’s summer transfer plans has undergone a dramatic shift following their Europa League triumph, with Champions League qualification delivering both financial muscle and enhanced pulling power in the market.
Chairman Daniel Levy now finds himself armed with unexpected resources to reshape Ange Postecoglou’s squad, with Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sané emerging as a potentially transformative target who could redefine Spurs’ attacking options.
Sané’s contractual situation presents a golden opportunity for Tottenham. The German international, whose deal expires on June 30, brings pedigree from Manchester City and Bayern Munich along with the big-game experience Spurs currently lack.
While Arsenal maintain concrete interest, Tottenham’s sudden Champions League status makes them credible contenders for a player who would immediately become the club’s highest earner at £192,000 per week before performance bonuses.
Bundesliga insider Christian Falk suggests Sané’s potential arrival could have ripple effects, possibly ending Spurs’ pursuit of Mathys Tel as they seek proven quality rather than developmental projects.
The financial implications of European football’s premier competition cannot be overstated. Tottenham’s unexpected qualification through their Europa League victory provides Levy with both the budget and prestige to compete for elite talent.
Club executives recognize the need to balance their promising young core with seasoned performers, making Sané’s availability on a free transfer particularly appealing despite the substantial wage package required.
Should negotiations stall over financial demands, Tottenham have identified Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze as an alternative marquee signing, though his acquisition would require triggering a £68 million release clause.
Eze’s stock has skyrocketed following his FA Cup final heroics against Manchester City, capping a season where the 26-year-old playmaker demonstrated he belongs among the Premier League’s elite attacking talents.
His two-goal demolition of Spurs in April left a lasting impression on Postecoglou, with the Australian reportedly pushing for his signature.
Palace’s attempts to secure Eze with an improved contract face stiff competition, as Tottenham consider structuring a player-plus-cash deal to reduce the upfront financial burden.
Manchester United, Newcastle, and Bayern Munich also monitor the situation, but Eze’s contentment at Selhurst Park means any transfer would require careful negotiation rather than a forced exit.
Tottenham’s recruitment team faces critical decisions about how to allocate their Champions League windfall. The potential captures of either Sané or Eze would address their most pressing need – adding creativity and end product to complement Son Heung-min’s enduring quality.
With James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski providing consistent contributions last season, the addition of another elite attacker could propel Spurs into genuine top-four contenders domestically while making them competitive in Europe.
Levy’s challenge lies in balancing ambition with financial prudence. While Sané’s free agent status appears financially prudent, his wage demands could disrupt the club’s salary structure.
Eze’s fixed transfer fee offers more predictability but limits flexibility for other reinforcements. What remains clear is that Tottenham’s unexpected route into the Champions League has transformed their summer from one of cautious rebuilding to potentially bold statement-making.
The coming weeks will reveal whether they capitalize on this opportunity to secure the caliber of signings that can sustain their return to Europe’s top table.
As the transfer window approaches, Spurs supporters can anticipate a more aggressive approach in the market than initially projected.
The club’s recruitment strategy now operates from a position of strength rather than compromise, with Levy poised to back Postecoglou’s vision with the quality additions required to compete on multiple fronts.
Whether through the explosive pace of Sané or the mesmerizing dribbling of Eze, Tottenham’s attack could be set for a thrilling upgrade that matches their elevated continental status.