Tottenham only want players committed to club’s ‘fantastic badge’, says Frank

**Tottenham's Transfer Turmoil: Eze's Arsenal Move and Frank's Firm Stance** In the fast-evolving landscape of football transfers, Tottenham Hotspur’s recent pursuit of Eberechi Eze has unveiled a complex narrative characterised by ambition and rivalry. The saga reached a notable conclusion when Arsenal, the North London rivals of Spurs, successfully secured Eze’s signature. This development compelled Tottenham to reassess its recruitment strategy amidst an increasingly competitive transfer market. Tottenham had been in advanced discussions with Crystal Palace, reportedly agreeing terms for Eze, a midfielder renowned for his creativity. The acquisition of Eze was viewed as a crucial move to mitigate the impact of the season-ending injury sustained by James Maddison. However, in a surprising turn of events, Eze—who has openly expressed his support for Arsenal—opted to join the Gunners. In response, Spurs' manager, Thomas Frank, addressed the situation with clear intentions when he stated: > "To make it very, very clear, I don't want any players who don't want to come to the club. If they don't want to come here and wear this fantastic badge, we don't want them here." ([Standard](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-thomas-frank-eze-transfer-news-b1244122.html?utm_source=openai)) Frank's statement reflects a broader philosophy that prioritises a player’s commitment to the club over technical skill alone. This approach resonates with Tottenham's fanbase, who value a strong dedication to the club's identity. Eze's move to Arsenal is not an isolated incident highlighting Tottenham's recent transfer challenges. Earlier in the summer, Tottenham attempted to acquire Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest, only to encounter resistance as Forest decided to retain the player. Such occurrences underscore the multifaceted nature of the transfer market, where club finances, personal loyalties, and individual career ambitions interact intricately. Despite these setbacks, Frank remains optimistic regarding potential new signings before the transfer window closes on September 1. “We need to do everything we can to be as competitive as possible,” he affirmed, maintaining confidence in acquiring new talent【4:0†source】. Among the potential targets is Yoane Wissa, whom Frank managed previously at Brentford. Wissa's versatility and attacking capabilities may provide the creative impetus Tottenham requires. At the same time, Frank has reiterated his faith in the current squad, including striker Richarlison, who has been linked with a move away from the club. He stated: > "Richy wants to stay ... ." ([Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/frank-responds-eze-rebuff-with-not-interested-statement-2025-08-22/?utm_source=openai)) As Tottenham gears up for their upcoming match against Manchester City, the focus now pivots from transfer speculation to on-field performance. This match represents an opportunity for the team to demonstrate resilience and cohesion following their recent setbacks. However, with key players such as Destiny Udogie and Yves Bissouma sidelined due to injuries, the squad's depth and versatility will certainly face scrutiny. The unfolding narrative of Tottenham's transfer endeavours highlights the club's commitment to preserving its values amid the rigours of competition. As the transfer window nears its conclusion, the forthcoming days will indicate whether Tottenham can translate its firm principles into astute signings that bolster their chances in the campaign ahead. **References** - [Frank responds to Eze rebuff with 'not interested' statement](https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/frank-responds-eze-rebuff-with-not-interested-statement-2025-08-22/?utm_source=openai) - [On Frank’s leadership and Tottenham's future opportunities](https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/hes-taking-over-a-squad-that-were-terrible-last-season-but-have-champions-league-football-its-literally-the-best-opportunity-to-take-over-a-football-club-youve-got-a-team-who-cant-get-any-worse-than-17th-jamie-ohara-on-thomas-frank-at-spurs?utm_source=openai)