What looked like a deal on the verge of completion for the Crystal Palace star instead turned into a late ambush by Arsenal, who moved in after Kai Havertz suffered a knee injury.
Spurs thought they had Eze wrapped up but Arsenal felt differently - and are lining up the finer details of his transfer this week.
Now, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange have to react, or face the anger of their fanbase.
By the time Tottenham were trying to put finishing touches to Eze’s move, the warning signs were already blinking. First came word that Arsenal were locking Leandro Trossard into fresh terms and then whispers began that Palace were dragging their feet.
Initially, it was that they were demanding a replacement through the door, then there were suggestions they were slipping in late requests for fresh clauses and bonus structures.
When the Havertz news broke, everything accelerated. Arsenal had weighed up a move for Eze all summer and the moment the German’s injury was confirmed, they pressed go.
Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s sporting director, acted with firmness, confidence and speed to convince the player and Palace that he should join them in a £60million deal.
Spurs knew about a £68million release clause earlier in the window but let it expire, and that may sting today. The reality is though that Eze may not have committed to them back then, anyway. He had never quite shut the door on Arsenal – which always made Tottenham’s position more fragile than they may have realised.
Now they need to find a new signing that satisfies the manager and the supporter base.
Savinho has been sounded out recently, though an initial approach was rebuffed. Spurs travel to his club Manchester City at the weekend, which could be the perfect stage to reignite talks. There is a feeling City may no longer be in the mood to talk, though.
Southampton’s Tyler Dibling has admirers inside the club - but a £50 million-plus fee has always been viewed as too heavy. Everton and Palace have been circling him too.
Bilal El Khannouss has hit their radar – and with Palace in the hunt for him too, Spurs may yet see an opportunity for revenge by going head-to-head. Xavi Simons has been tracked but is tilting towards Chelsea.
The dream could be Rodrygo from Real Madrid but his wage packet would shatter Tottenham’s structure. Morgan Rogers has been discussed, but Aston Villa will not entertain bids.
There are other long shots. Alejandro Garnacho has been considered, but his camp are prioritising Chelsea. Como’s Nico Paz is admired and Maghnes Aklioche at Monaco has been flagged up as another who ticks the creative box. Spurs will be exploring other angles and possibilities today, too.
There is a need for urgency. Spurs thought they had their man but Arsenal struck decisively, and have left their north London rivals scrambling.
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