Why Tottenham, not Fulham are favourites to land Nwaiwu this summer

Tottenham Hotspur may not have European football to offer next season, but they could still hold the upper hand in the race for Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Trabzonspor centre-back has been heavily linked with a move to Fulham throughout the summer, with the Cottagers reaching an agreement on personal terms with the Nigerian international.

However, despite their sustained pursuit, a transfer remains far from complete because Trabzonspor have refused to budge from their €30 million asking fee.

As per To the land and back, Tottenham have emerged as serious admirers of the 23-year-old, joining Crystal Palace and Bournemouth in monitoring his situation. While Fulham have led the chase, several factors suggest Spurs could yet leapfrog Alvaro Arbeloa’s side if they decide to accelerate their interest.

Fulham remain interested, but negotiations have stalled

Fulham have made Nwaiwu one of their priority defensive targets after his impressive rise in Turkey.

As previously reported by Afrik-Foot, the London club have already seen a bid rejected by Trabzonspor and are still short of the Turkish club’s €30 million asking price.

The Nigerian defender is believed to favour a move to Craven Cottage, but he has deliberately avoided forcing an exit. That leaves Trabzonspor under no pressure to compromise, especially after tying him down to a contract until 2030 following his arrival from Wolfsberger.

Without a breakthrough on the financial side, Fulham risk seeing the deal dragged deeper into the transfer window.

Tottenham are a bigger club

Although Tottenham endured a disastrous 2025/26 campaign, finishing 17th in the Premier League, just two points above West Ham, they remain one of England’s biggest clubs.

For a young defender hoping to cement his place in Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the visibility that comes with playing for Tottenham could outweigh the attraction of Fulham.

🚨💣 EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham agree record deal to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle, HERE WE GO! 💥

Agreement between clubs closed and also on player side with the Italian midfielder. 🇮🇹

Fee higher than £85m paid for Mateus Fernandes. pic.twitter.com/jWcup0mfk6

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 1, 2026

Despite missing out on European football, Spurs continue to attract elite players (They’ve already signed Senesi, Sandro Tonali, Matheus Fernandes, Jan Paul Van Hecke, Andy Robertson and Martin Dubravka), possess world-class facilities and have a very strong fanbase. A successful spell in North London could also open the door to even bigger moves in the future.

Spurs may have greater financial muscle

The biggest obstacle in the deal remains Trabzonspor’s valuation. Fulham have so far stopped short of meeting the Turkish club’s €30 million demand, while Trabzonspor have shown no willingness to negotiate below that figure.

If Tottenham decide Nwaiwu is the right profile, they may be better positioned to satisfy Trabzonspor’s asking price without prolonged negotiations.

The North London club have already invested heavily this summer, but they have also generated funds through player sales and remain capable of making another significant defensive signing if Roberto De Zerbi gives the green light.

Timing could favour Tottenham

One factor working in Tottenham’s favour is patience. Fulham have publicly emerged as the frontrunners, meaning every rejected bid increases pressure on them to improve their offer.

Spurs, meanwhile, have been credited only with monitoring the situation. That allows them to wait, assess developments and potentially move decisively later in the window if negotiations between Fulham and Trabzonspor continue to stall.

From Trabzonspor’s perspective, a bidding war would be the ideal outcome, and Tottenham’s interest strengthens their negotiating position.

Fulham remain the most advanced suitor for Nwaiwu, and the defender favours a move to Craven Cottage.

However, preference alone does not complete transfers. With Trabzonspor refusing to lower their €30 million asking fee, Tottenham’s financial strength, stature and fanbase could ultimately make them the favourites if they choose to formalise their interest before the transfer window closes.