Tottenham Hotspur preparing to act in transfer window after thumping loss to Arsenal

Spurs suffered a brutal loss to arch-rivals Arsenal
Spurs suffered a brutal loss to arch-rivals ArsenalMichael Zemanek / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

Tottenham Hotspur are reeling from a bruising 4-1 defeat to Arsenal in Sunday’s North London Derby. It is a result that has deepened frustration among parts of the fanbase - and sharpened scrutiny on manager Thomas Frank.

Some supporters will expect the club to react by questioning his future, but the reality behind the scenes is likely to be very different.

This is not a time they will want to be contemplating change, as Spurs’ hierarchy have been planning to double down on plans to back Frank with funds for the transfer market.

Senior figures at the club have viewed him as a long-term project manager. It would be a surprise to see them now judging him too harshly just four months into his tenure.

Frank himself highlighted the contrast in continuity after the painful Emirates loss, noting that Arsenal’s squad has been built and refined over six years, whereas Tottenham are still in the early stages of their own rebuild.

Even so, Spurs’ negative in-game approach has contributed to disjointed performances and concerns that momentum has stalled. And that is a reason Spurs fans will worry about Frank being left in charge.

Sources indicate that Tottenham are preparing for a significant January window, with up to £100 million potentially available through new investment.

That level of spending would be notable in a market many inside the game expect to be quieter than usual.

Spurs, however, feel they must act to build for future success, and the plan has been to support their manager, mirroring his vision.

Right now, missing out on Eberechi Eze seems more devastating than ever - but over the past month, recruitment conversations have accelerated across all areas of the squad.

An attacker is expected to be one of the first arrivals, with plans to sign at least one forward a priority to sharpen their cutting edge. The club also want to strengthen the left side of defence, an area that has been under review for several months.

A new midfielder is being discussed internally, and over the past two months, the club have tasked specialist recruitment staff with identifying goalkeepers who could provide stronger competition for Guglielmo Vicario.

Despite the relatively healthy budget, Spurs cannot fix every issue at once. Over the next fortnight, they will refine their target lists and identify the positions that require immediate attention once the window opens.

Interestingly, Frank has been expected to have influence over who arrives. Tottenham planned for him to deliver stability and long-term success, and as such, there would be a need for incoming players to align with his style and demands.

Spurs are ninth in the Premier League
Spurs are ninth in the Premier LeagueFlashscore

It would take a major U-turn to go back on those plans at this stage - but time will tell quite how rattled they are.

For all the disappointment so far, people close to the situation still believe it is not as bleak as it seems. Spurs sit only five points behind second-placed Chelsea - and this week they head to Paris Saint-Germain for a high-profile Champions League tie that could change the mood.

Tottenham know reinforcements are essential, while underperforming or unwanted players will also need to be moved on soon as they revamp the side.

Spurs seem to be at a crossroads both on and off the field and must decide how brave they can afford to be.

Dean Jones
Dean JonesFlashscore

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