Arsenal expected to sign Spurs target Eze

Arsenal Close In on £60m Deal for Eberechi Eze

Eberechi Eze is expected to join Arsenal for £60m after the Gunners reached an agreement in principle to sign the forward from Crystal Palace.

Sources have told BBC Sport that Eze favours a move to Arsenal, where he once played during his youth career, despite north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur having also been in talks to sign him.

Arsenal Beat Spurs to Eze’s Signature

Tottenham were actually ahead in the race at one stage. According to reports, a deal between Spurs and Palace had been agreed after ten days of negotiations. But just as it seemed the move was close, the deal collapsed before being finalised.

That opened the door for Arsenal, who acted quickly. With the transfer window closing on 1 September, Eze is said to be eager to make the switch back to north London and link up with Mikel Arteta’s side.

Why Arsenal Want Eze Now

The move comes at a crucial time for the Gunners. There are growing concerns around a knee injury sustained by Kai Havertz, leaving Arteta light in attacking areas. Eze, 27, is seen as a player who could immediately slot into advanced midfield or wide attacking roles, giving Arsenal more creativity and unpredictability in the final third.

Arteta has been vocal about needing players who can operate between the lines and break down low blocks, a frequent challenge for Arsenal last season. Eze, with his ability to dribble, shoot from distance, and pick out runners, looks tailor-made for that job.

Palace Boss Glasner Stands Firm—for Now

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner said on Wednesday that Eze would start in Thursday’s UEFA Conference League play-off tie against Fredrikstad, alongside teammate Marc Guehi, who has also been linked with a move away, this time to Liverpool.

“They are committed to the team,” Glasner said, adding that he expects both players to give everything until the situation changes. That public stance is important for Palace supporters, but privately the club know losing Eze is a real possibility.

Release Clause Explained

Eze’s contract situation also sheds light on why Arsenal were able to step in so decisively. His deal at Selhurst Park, which runs until 2027, had contained a release clause worth £60m, plus a further £8m in add-ons. That clause is now expired, but Palace remain aware that such a valuation is fair given the player’s importance and the current market.

Arsenal’s willingness to match the £60m figure shows how highly Arteta and sporting director Edu rate him. In the current market, where elite forwards often fetch upwards of £80m, it may even prove good value.

Eze’s Standout Season

Palace have leaned heavily on Eze in recent seasons, but none more so than last year. He scored 14 goals across all competitions in 2023-24, a tally that included the decisive strike in their FA Cup final upset against Manchester City. That goal alone elevated his reputation, showing he could perform on the biggest stage.

His ability to carry the ball through midfield, unlock tight defenses, and score from nothing made him Palace’s talisman. Many observers believe he is now ready to take that step into Champions League football, something Arsenal can offer this season.

From QPR to Arsenal Return

Eze’s journey has been steady but impressive. Palace signed him from Queens Park Rangers in 2020 for £19.5m, a fee that now looks like a bargain. Since then, he has developed into one of the Premier League’s most consistent attacking midfielders, earning an England call-up along the way.

For Arsenal fans, there is also a sense of symmetry. Having begun his youth career with the Gunners before being released as a teenager, Eze is now set to return as a proven international talent—this time as a marquee signing.

What It Means for Arsenal’s Title Push

If the deal goes through, Arsenal will add another dynamic attacking option to a squad already packed with talent. Arteta has made no secret of his desire to challenge Manchester City again for the Premier League title. Adding Eze not only bolsters depth but gives the team a new weapon against tough opponents.=

For Palace, it will be a blow. But a £60m transfer fee gives them room to strengthen in multiple areas before the deadline.