Spurs ponder complaint over Arnesen approach

Tottenham tonight insisted they were still debating whether to make an official complaint to the Premier league over the alleged tapping-up of sporting director Frank Arnesen by Barclays Premiership champions Chelsea.

Arnesen was suspended by Spurs at the weekend and White Hart Lane officials are still no nearer to making a formal complaint over accusations that Chelsea made an approach for the Dane that they claim was a “direct breach of FAPL rules”.

Chelsea insist their advances were official and amid speculation that the Blues will have to pay close on £5m (€7.4m) in compensation to get Arnesen, Spurs continued to examine all the routes available to them.

A spokesperson for Spurs said tonight: “Frank was suspended on Saturday and the club is still weighing-up its options with regard to a formal complaint.”

Spurs maintained that Chelsea’s letter to ask for permission to approach Arnesen was copied to the Dane and therefore constituted an illegal approach.

Chelsea do not dispute a letter requesting permission to approach Arnesen was sent to Tottenham and privately they are at a loss as to explain why Spurs have taken the action they have when the two parties had been in detailed discussions during the previous fortnight.

It is understood Chelsea believe those negotiations with Spurs to secure Arnesen’s services are still open and £5m (€7.4m) is the figure it would take to secure his capture from White Hart Lane.

Arnesen has told Spurs he wishes to join Chelsea, and his admission led to his suspension at White Hart Lane.