Tottenham may hold one key advantage over Arsenal in Eberechi Eze transfer race

Tottenham Hotspur may have one ace up their sleeve in their attempts to beat their North London rivals to the signing of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

It emerged on Tuesday that Spurs are pushing forward with talks for Eze while the Arsenal are hesitating to substantiate their interest in the 27-year-old.

However, according to various sources, Arsenal are still very much active in their pursuit of Eze, who has previously signalled a willingness to move to the Emirates.

Some may assume that the attacking midfielder might choose Mikel Arteta’s side if he had the option between the two North London clubs, but Tottenham may have one advantage over their rivals.

Eberechi Eze is very close to Spurs first-team coach

Tottenham insider, Paul O Keefe, has revealed that Spurs assistant coach Justin Cochrane has a close relationship with the Crystal Palace star.

Cochrane is also part of England’s coaching set-up, and the pair would have worked together several times over recent years as Eze has been a regular in recent Three Lions squads.

O’Keefe suggested that the former Brentford assistant coach, who followed Thomas Frank to Spurs this summer, may be in the attacking midfielder’s ear over a move to N17.

Tottenham may have another advantage over Arsenal in Eze race

Spurs fans would be hoping that Cochrane can convince the Eagles star to greenlight a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and there may also be one other factor working in Lilywhites’ favour.

It has been reported by TEAMtalk that Arsenal have doubts about spending big on another number ten, and one can understand why, given the options that Arteta has at his disposal.

Eze may not be guaranteed to start every game at the Emirates Stadium, while he will be the main man at Spurs, which could factor into his decision in the lead-up to a World Cup year.

With James Maddison out with an ACL injury, Tottenham desperately need a creative flair player to be added to their ranks before the window closes.

• READ MORE: Tottenham are being ‘very greedy’ as French club set sights on Ange Postecoglou signing