Over the last couple of years, Tottenham Hotspur have parted ways with numerous top-level forwards who constantly produced the goods during their time at the club.
Harry Kane rose through the youth levels in North London, eventually making over 400 appearances for the Lilywhites – netting 280 goals – the highest individual tally in their history.
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Heung-min Son is another who has moved on to pastures new, joining LAFC this summer, ending his decade spell in the capital, which saw him and Kane break the record for the most combined goals between two players in Premier League history (47).
Losing such talents makes the job of replacing them a near-impossible one, but new boss Thomas Frank continues to hunt for added reinforcements ahead of his first season at the helm.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new attackers this summer
Savinho has been one of Spurs’ biggest targets over the last few weeks, with the hierarchy even submitting a £60m bid to try and land the Manchester City winger.
Such an offer was rejected, with further talks being held, but it now seems unlikely the 21-year-old will move to North London, with Pep Guardiola’s side wanting to keep hold of him beyond Monday’s deadline.
However, another name has entered the mix over recent days, with Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo reemerging on their shortlist, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
He recently claimed that the Lilywhites have “made some calls” to the Cherries over a deal for the Ghanaian, who penned a new contract until 2030 earlier this summer.
Romano also stated Frank’s side have stepped up their interest in the “last 24 hours”, but could have to fork out as much as £60m for the 25-year-old, who’s already scored twice in 2025/26.
Why Spurs’ latest target is just like Eze
Spurs’ hunt for a new forward has been a summer-long process, with numerous players constantly on their radar – including Eberechi Eze before his move to boyhood club, Arsenal.
The Lilywhites held constant discussions with Crystal Palace over a deal to land the England international – leading to terms being agreed between the two sides.
However, given Spurs’ inability to close other deals this summer, it was a surprise to no one to see a deal fail to cross the line, with the Lilywhites’ North London rivals swooping in at the 11th hour.
It was confirmed last weekend that the 27-year-old had joined Mikel Arteta’s side for a fee in the region of £67.5m, including add-ons, subsequently putting a huge dent in Frank’s ambitions of improving his front line.
Such a blow could be softened, especially if a deal for Semenyo gets completed before Monday’s transfer deadline, with the forward possessing numerous similarities to Eze.
He’s spent the last two and a half years at the Vitality, joining the Cherries from Championship side Bristol City – just as Eze did, when he linked up with the Eagles from QPR back in the summer of 2020.
However, despite their similarities, Semenyo, who’s also an Arsenal fan, managed to outperform him in numerous key areas last campaign – potentially offering Frank a versatile option across his front line in 2025/26.
The Ghanaian achieved a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate in the Premier League last season, a tally that could provide the new boss with the added ammunition he’s been craving within the final third.
Semenyo’s goalscoring ability is one thing, but he’s also showcased his superb technique to glide past the opposition – completing more take-ons than Eze, whilst also making over double the number of carries into the opposition box per 90.
Games played
37
34
Goals & assists
16
16
Shot on target accuracy
32%
27%
Progressive carries
3.9
2.4
Take-on success
51%
48%
Carries into final third
1.9
1.6
Carries into opposition box
1.9
0.7
Aerials won
1.9
0.2
Passes into opposition box
1.4
1.3
Such numbers would allow him to be a hit with the supporters, able to create an opportunity for himself out of nothing, before firing home and bolstering the side’s already potent attack.
However, he’s also able to be a provider, notching more passes into the opposition box per 90, with such a tally able to allow the likes of Richarlison the chance to build on their own impressive start to 2025/26.
£60m would be a huge sum spent on a new attacker, but it’s one that could prove to be a bargain if the forward can take his game to the next level in North London.
Missing out on Eze’s signature, especially to their main rivals, would have been a bitter blow, but it could prove to be a blessing in disguise if a deal can be reached for Semenyo.
