Arsenal move for Eberechi Eze as Spurs deal stalls

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Arsenal have reignited their interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze, making a late attempt to secure his signature after Tottenham Hotspur appeared close to completing a £60 million move. The development has created fresh tension in the London transfer market, with Spurs left frustrated for the second time this summer by a collapsed deal.

The 27-year-old England international had been expected to join Tottenham after advanced talks with Palace and Spurs reached an agreement on key financial terms earlier this week. Chairman Daniel Levy was reported to have been in positive negotiations with Palace counterpart Steve Parish, with Spurs identifying Eze as a priority signing following James Maddison’s long-term ACL injury.

However, Arsenal have now stepped into the race. The Gunners, who were thought to have cooled their interest earlier in the window, are said to be prepared to meet the same financial conditions put forward by Tottenham. Sources indicate that Arsenal’s renewed push has been prompted by the serious knee injury suffered by Kai Havertz, ruling the German midfielder out for several months.

Eze’s personal preference could prove decisive. The midfielder grew up as an Arsenal supporter and previously represented the club at the academy level. Reports suggest he favours a move to the Emirates, which would add further weight to Arsenal’s late intervention.

Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta is credited with driving the deal forward following Havertz’s setback. Having already signed Noni Madueke from Chelsea earlier in the window and secured a five-year extension for teenage prospect Ethan Nwaneri, the addition of Eze would significantly strengthen Arsenal’s midfield options ahead of a demanding campaign.

For Tottenham, the development represents another blow in the transfer market. Earlier in the summer, the club missed out on Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White despite being close to finalising terms. Now, with Eze seemingly leaning towards Arsenal, Levy faces renewed frustration.

Manager Thomas Frank, who has been seeking reinforcements in midfield, had identified Eze as the perfect replacement for Maddison. His technical ability, creativity, and versatility made him an ideal candidate to fill the void left by injury. Instead, the Spurs may now be forced back into the market for alternative targets.

Crystal Palace had delayed finalising any transfer until after Eze featured in their Europa Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad on Thursday. This cautious approach gave Arsenal the opening to re-enter discussions and match Tottenham’s bid. Palace has valued the player at over £60 million, with the total package including performance-related add-ons.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, Palace is understood to be a reluctant seller. Eze remains central to manager Oliver Glasner’s plans, and the club had been preparing to build its midfield strategy around him. The decision to let him go would only be sanctioned if financial and personal terms aligned fully.

Should Arsenal complete the deal, Tottenham will need to accelerate efforts elsewhere. The club has been linked with Monaco midfielder Maghnes Akliouche and remains in dialogue with Manchester City over Savinho, although talks have not progressed significantly.

For Arsenal, other midfield targets had been considered, but the sudden availability of Eze, coupled with Havertz’s injury, shifted their priorities. The Gunners’ swift action reflects a broader strategy of maintaining depth and resilience across all competitions.

The latest twist adds another chapter to the long-standing rivalry between Arsenal and Tottenham. Transfer battles between the two clubs have historically heightened tensions among supporters, and Eze’s decision will be closely watched across north London.

If the England international does opt for the Emirates, it would be seen not only as a major coup for Arsenal but also as a missed opportunity for Tottenham at a crucial moment in their season planning.

With just days remaining in the transfer window, the race for Eze is entering its final stages. Palace, Arsenal, and Tottenham all have significant decisions to make, and the player himself must determine whether his future lies at the Emirates or the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

For now, Arsenal’s intervention has dramatically reshaped the narrative. A transfer that appeared set to bolster Tottenham’s squad could instead provide Arsenal with a powerful new weapon in their title challenge.