Arsenal Beat Spurs to £67.5m Eze Deal After Dramatic Transfer Twist
Arsenal have agreed a £67.5m deal to sign Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze, sensationally beating Tottenham Hotspur to the England international in one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer.
The Gunners will pay £60m up front with an additional £7.5m in add-ons, securing the 27-year-old in a move that reignites his boyhood connection with the club. Personal terms are understood to be close to finalisation, with Eze expected to undergo a medical examination imminently.
A North London Tug-of-War
Tottenham had believed they were close to landing the Crystal Palace star after days of negotiations. Chairman Daniel Levy and Palace counterpart Steve Parish had been in advanced talks, with Spurs confident of an agreement as of Wednesday.
However, Arsenal, who had quietly established the framework of a deal with Palace as early as 10 August, returned decisively late on Wednesday. Sources suggest that Kai Havertz’s knee injury accelerated the Gunners’ pursuit, prompting them to match Spurs’ financial package and ultimately sway the player.
The Arsenal Advantage
Eze’s lifelong allegiance to Arsenal played a crucial role. A former academy player at Hale End until he was released at the age of 13, the forward has long spoken of his admiration for the club. Once Arsenal reignited their interest, insiders admit there was little Tottenham could do to prevent the move.
The relationship between Arsenal executive Tim Lewis and Palace chairman Steve Parish also eased negotiations, while Palace are set to benefit further from potential player deals, with defender Jakub Kiwior reportedly of interest. Queens Park Rangers, Eze’s former club, will receive 15% of the transfer fee through a sell-on clause.
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Palace’s Farewell
Despite the looming transfer, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed Eze would still feature in the club’s Europa Conference League play-off tie against Fredrikstad on Thursday night. The forward is keen to bid farewell to supporters before sealing his move to the Emirates.
Eze leaves Selhurst Park as a modern club icon, having inspired Palace to their first major trophy in history by spearheading their FA Cup triumph last season. He recorded 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, underlining his reputation as a match-winner on the biggest stages.
Arsenal’s Statement of Intent
The signing of Eze adds to a bold transfer window in which Arsenal have already secured Viktor Gyökeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke, among others. The £67.5m deal signals Mikel Arteta’s determination to mount a serious Premier League title challenge and make further strides in the Champions League.
For Tottenham, the collapse of their pursuit represents another painful near-miss in the transfer market, reviving memories of past disappointments such as Willian and Jack Grealish. Fan frustration is already mounting, with questions once again directed at Levy’s handling of negotiations.
What Next?
If completed smoothly, Eze will be eligible to represent Arsenal in the Champions League group phase under UEFA rules, even if he features for Palace in Thursday’s Conference League qualifier.
For Arsenal supporters, however, the symbolism is as significant as the signing itself: the club have not only acquired a proven Premier League talent but has also dealt a direct blow to their fiercest rivals in one of the defining moments of the transfer window.
