Arsenal beat Tottenham to close deal for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze

Midfielder was close to Spurs but chose to join Arteta’s project in final days of transfer window

Arsenal are set to land Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace after overtaking rivals Tottenham in the race for the midfielder. According to David Ornstein (The Athletic), Eze was on track for a move to Spurs, but Arsenal’s urgent need following Kai Havertz’s injury pushed the Gunners to accelerate negotiations.

The transfer is expected to be officially announced in the coming days, with Eze becoming one of the final additions to Mikel Arteta’s squad before the September 1 deadline.

Arsenal’s Ambitious Transfer Window

The North London club has been one of the most active teams this summer. Alongside the signing of Viktor Gyökeres, the Gunners have also secured Noni Madueke, Martín Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Eze’s arrival would add depth and creativity to a midfield reshaped by injuries. Arteta is expected to use him both in central positions and on the left side of the attack, the role where he excelled for Palace.

Tottenham Left Empty-Handed

For Spurs, the setback is significant. The club had targeted Eze as a direct replacement for James Maddison, sidelined with injury. With the transfer window entering its final stretch, Tottenham now face pressure to find an alternative before the deadline.

Eze’s Standout Season at Crystal Palace

At 27 years old, Eze is coming off his most productive season in English football. Across 43 appearances in 2024/25, he scored 15 goals and provided 11 assists, helping Palace lift both the FA Cup and the Community Shield.

Since joining the Eagles in 2020, Eze has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most creative midfielders a reputation that now earns him a move to a Champions League contender.