Arsenal have initiated official discussions with Crystal Palace regarding Eberechi Eze, as Mikel Arteta’s team has intensified their interest following the knee injury sustained by Kai Havertz.
Softfootball noted that all that remained for Eze to join Tottenham was a medical examination, but the England international has now expressed a desire for the transfer, having been an Arsenal fan since childhood and even training at the club’s academy as a youth.
This situation, alongside Arsenal’s urgent requirement for an attacking player, has positioned the Gunners advantageously in the race against Tottenham Hotspur, who were actively pursuing him.
German transfer journalist Florian Plettenberg conveyed via his official X account that Tottenham remains involved in negotiations but will not pursue further if the English midfielder opts for Arsenal instead.
He tweeted:
“Arsenal now in negotiations with Crystal Palace for Eberechi #Eze after Kai Havertz’s knee injury, as per @David_Ornstein.
“Tottenham Hotspur had deal conditions with Crystal Palace agreed, but are ready to move on if he joins Arsenal.”
There were indications that Spurs had come to a preliminary agreement with Palace and the player earlier this week. Yet, with Eze now leaning towards a move to the Emirates, Tottenham is set to redirect their focus to other potential signings.
Crystal Palace, on their part, have hesitated to finalize any deals prior to their Conference League playoff match against Fredrikstad, expecting Eze to play a pivotal role in that match. Once that game concludes, negotiations are likely to accelerate.
Eze, 27, concluded last season impressively, netting nine goals in his last 13 appearances, which included a remarkable goal during Palace’s FA Cup final victory against Manchester City and a goal at the Emirates during a 2-2 draw.
Amid swirling rumors regarding his future, he has consistently been featured under Oliver Glasner, starting both the Community Shield triumph over Liverpool and the Premier League opener against Chelsea.
Arsenal have already enhanced their attacking options this summer with the signings of Viktor Gyökeres (€63.5m) and Noni Madueke (£48.5m), in addition to securing a new long-term contract for Ethan Nwaneri. However, the injury to Havertz has altered the dynamics.
While Eze may not directly replace him, his versatility to play as a No. 10, on the left flank, or in a midfield role provides Arteta with fresh tactical alternatives and allows players like Mikel Merino or Leandro Trossard to step in as needed at centre-forward.
