In a stunning late twist, the Gunners are set to sign the coveted Crystal Palace playmaker after hijacking their rival’s move, following an injury to Kai Havertz.
Arsenal have pulled off a dramatic transfer surprise, reaching an agreement to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze for a fee in the region of £68 million, effectively hijacking a deal that seemed destined for their arch-rivals, Tottenham Hotspur.
As recently as Wednesday, Tottenham were believed to be the frontrunners for the England international’s signature, with reports suggesting they had a deal lined up. However, Arsenal re-entered the race on Wednesday evening following news of a knee injury to key striker Kai Havertz, moving quickly to agree on a package with the south London club.
According to reports, Eze is expected to play his final game for Palace in their UEFA Conference League play-off on Thursday before traveling to North London to undergo a medical. The agreed fee is understood to be close to the value of his recently expired release clause.
This move marks a significant shift for Mikel Arteta’s side, which had shown interest in the 27-year-old earlier in the window but had appeared to distance themselves from a deal. Eze is now poised to become Arsenal’s seventh major signing of a busy summer.
The attacking midfielder is coming off a superb season, where he was a shining light for Palace, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists across all competitions. He also scored the winning goal in the club’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester United and found the net again with a spectacular free-kick on the Premier League’s opening weekend, though it was controversially disallowed.
Tottenham’s pursuit, which was rumored to involve a player-plus-cash offer including Brazilian forward Richarlison, has now hit a major stumbling block, with the Gunners seizing the initiative.
Arsenal will be hoping their new marquee signing can make an immediate impact as they look to build on their opening-day victory over Manchester United when they host Leeds United at the Emirates on Saturday.
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