Arsenal has intensified its pursuit of Eberechi Eze following Havertz’s injury.
Reports circulating on Wednesday indicate that Arsenal is set to capture Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace in a bid that could outmaneuver Tottenham Hotspur, their local rivals, in the current transfer window.
Tottenham seemed ready to secure the services of the 27-year-old midfielder, who has been performing well at Palace.
However, amid worries surrounding Kai Havertz’s knee injury, Arsenal is now reportedly looking to finalize a deal that would bring Eze, a player previously released by Arsenal as a youth, to the Emirates Stadium.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal has reached a preliminary agreement with Crystal Palace to acquire Eze, with the cost likely hovering around the now-expired £68 million ($91 million) release clause. This amount aligns with what Spurs were willing to pay.
Interest from Arsenal has surged following Havertz’s recent injury.
Havertz made an appearance during the latter stages of Sunday’s match against Manchester United, completing the game, but did not take part in Arsenal’s open training session on Wednesday.
Last season, Arsenal finished second to Liverpool in the Premier League and is anticipated to contend for the title once more. In contrast, Spurs, who claimed victory in the Europa League final, finished the previous season in a precarious 17th position, just above relegation.
Eze played 84 minutes during the weekend’s draw with Chelsea and was present for training on Wednesday as Palace prepared to face Fredrikstad in the Conference League play-off. Coach Oliver Glasner announced that both Eze and captain Marc Guehi, who has also attracted Liverpool’s interest, will feature in the upcoming match.
“Before the Chelsea game, many of you were likely surprised that Marc and Ebs started and played nearly the entire match,” Glasner remarked in a pre-match press briefing earlier Wednesday.
“I believe most of you will be surprised to see them start again tomorrow considering all the speculation. However, their commitment is evident.”
Glasner, who previously led Palace to a Community Shield win against Liverpool via penalties, stated: “Both players are devoted to the team. They have contracts here, they played an essential role in our success, and they will continue to contribute as long as they remain with us.
“They are skilled and dedicated, and should a player depart, which I cannot predict right now, they want to leave having given their all for Crystal Palace.
“This dedication has been their hallmark since they joined, and we expect that level of commitment until their contracts conclude, whenever that may be.”
Guehi, the Palace captain, has a contract extending through next year, while Eze’s agreement runs until 2027.
“These rumors have persisted for weeks, not just for the past few days,” Glasner added.
