In the last 8 years how many players have you had that would be wanted by the richest 6 clubs in the world? From my reckoning you've had Bale and Modric, both of whom left for a bigger club. Tottenham not having quality players that big teams want is not the same as Tottenham suddenly and without logic being able to resist the pursuit of top teams. Lets look at the Spurs squads vs who's been sold:
08/09 season: Gomes, Zokora, Bentley, Lennon, Jenas, Pavluchenko, Bent, Modric, Corluka, King, Assou-Ekotto, Woodgate, Berbatov. One player that a top team would want, one player sold to a big club.
11/12 season: Bale, Modric, Kaboul, Lennon, Parker, Van Der Vaart, Livermore, Friedal, Walker, Assou-Ekotto, King, Sandro, Defoe. Two players that a top team would want, two players leaving for bigger clubs.
16/17 season: Lloris, Walker, Alderwiereld, Verthonghen, Rose, Dier, Dembele, Erikson, Lamela, Alli, Kane. Three players who if they carry on will be wanted by top teams. ???