Forget Eze: Spurs preparing move for “unstoppable” star who’s like Rodrygo
Tottenham Hotspur supporters have been voicing their displeasure over the last couple of days, and understandably so, given the failure to complete a deal for Eberechi Eze.
After James Maddison’s ACL injury during pre-season, the Lilywhites entered talks with Crystal Palace over a deal for the England international, leading to a £60m price tag being mooted.
The move appeared to be at an advanced stage, leading to the player himself approving of a switch to join Thomas Frank’s side ahead of the September 1st deadline.
However, a deal has since evaporated, with North London rivals Arsenal taking advantage of their inability to close the deal, with the 27-year-old set to be announced as a Gunner in the coming days.
Missing out on the Englishman’s signature has been a huge blow to Frank’s plans for the ongoing Premier League campaign, which must see the board go back into the market and land an alternative option.
Spurs targeting moves for Eze alternatives
Como star Nico Paz has been one name mentioned with a potential move to join Spurs this summer, but any deal could be an expensive one for Daniel Levy.
The Serie A side are currently demanding a fee in the region of £60m for the 20-year-old’s signature this summer, with Real Madrid due a hefty sell-on in any transfer.
However, he’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku a player they’re also considering, according to TEAMtalk.
Their report claims that the Blues are desperately wanting to offload the Frenchman, who cost £52m back in the summer of 2023 – with the Lilywhites one of the sides interested in a move for his signature.
It also states that Frank’s side are firmly in the race to land the 27-year-old, but it’s unclear whether the player would be open to a move across London before the end of the window.
Why Spurs’ latest target is just like Rodrygo
In previous months, Spurs have been hugely linked with a move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo, in an attempt to replace Heung-min Son after his departure to join LAFC.
The Brazilian has also been on the radar of the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool this summer, after it was confirmed he was free to depart the LaLiga giants during the current window.
However, any deal would cost a fee in the region of €100m (£86m) – a figure that could prove to be slightly out of the Lilywhites’ price range, given the money spent elsewhere this summer.
Noise over a potential move to North London for the 24-year-old has lessened in recent weeks as a result of his asking price, which has seen the hierarchy move on to other targets.
Nkunku is just one of the names mentioned as a result, with the former RB Leipzig star able to operate in a number ten, centre forward or wide left role.
There’s no doubt the links to the Chelsea star may appear underwhelming given his lack of impact at Stamford Bridge – but his underlying figures showcase he still possesses a lot of quality.
He’s been labelled as a similar player to Rodrygo by FBref, even managing to match or better the Brazilian in key areas when comparing their respective figures from 2024/25.
Nkunku, who’s been labelled “unstoppable” by one writer, matched the Madrid star for goals and assists per 90, whilst also achieving a better shot on target accuracy rate – offering Frank’s side a more clinical option in the final third.
He also completed more of the passes he attempted, whilst also registering more key passes per 90 – handing the Lilywhites the creative presence they will lack after Maddison’s injury setback.
How Nkunku & Rodrygo compared in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Nkunku
Rodrygo
Games played
27
30
Goals & assists
5
11
Shot on target accuracy
44%
37%
Pass accuracy
90%
85%
Key passes made
2.3
2.2
Through balls completed
0.2
0.05
Aerials won
1.6
0.3
Aerial success rate
42%
30%
Stats via FBref
The Chelsea star further impressed last campaign, winning more aerial battles whilst also providing needed versatility to the frontline in an attempt to build on their Europa League triumph.
Nkunku may not be high up on the club’s list this summer, but he could offer a cost-effective option in an attempt to improve the options currently at Frank’s disposal.
Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku in action with Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis
