Tottenham
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Arsenal’s long-running interest in Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze faces a major challenge, as north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur have reignited their pursuit and opened talks over a potential deal for the England international.
With the summer transfer window entering its final weeks, Spurs are looking to exploit Arsenal’s hesitation by moving quickly for the 27-year-old attacker. The push comes after a double blow for Tottenham, losing key midfielder James Maddison to a season-ending ACL injury and seeing Son Heung-min depart earlier in the window.
According to reports, Spurs have contacted Palace over a move valued at around £55 million, in line with their recent signing of Mohammed Kudus. However, Palace are holding firm on their stance, insisting on the £68 million release clause in Eze’s contract, which is due to expire this Friday. Tottenham see Eze as a direct replacement in the No.10 role, and negotiations have accelerated in recent days.
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Arsenal, who have tracked Eze throughout the summer, still view him as a priority to strengthen their attack alongside new arrivals Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke. Yet, their ability to act hinges on player sales, with Leandro Trossard, Reiss Nelson, and Fabio Vieira among those earmarked for departure.
Arsenal - Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze (Image credit: Getty Images)
Trossard’s possible move to Galatasaray is seen as a potential trigger for any formal Arsenal bid. BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel reports that while Arsenal’s interest remains strong, their current focus on outgoing transfers could open the door for Spurs.
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Eze has previously described Arsenal as his “dream” club, having been released from their academy at 13, a factor that could work in the Gunners’ favour in personal negotiations. Still, Tottenham believe the player is open to their project and are prepared to act decisively. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Spurs are advancing talks for Eze while also pursuing Manchester City winger Savinho in a £43 million deal.
Crystal Palace remain in a strong negotiating position, with Eze under contract until 2027. Having already lost Michael Olise to Bayern Munich this summer, manager Oliver Glasner is reluctant to sanction another high-profile departure unless the club’s valuation is met. Eze’s standout 2023/24 campaign, 11 goals and six assists in the Premier League has only strengthened Palace’s resolve.
The race for Eze is now set for a dramatic finale, with Tottenham fans buzzing over the prospect of securing his signature and Arsenal supporters anxious about another high-profile target slipping away. Reports suggest the Gunners could turn to alternative options, including Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, if Spurs win the battle for the Palace talisman.
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