Tottenham - Thomas Frank
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have launched an ambitious summer transfer campaign in a bid to end their 21-year wait for the Premier League title, following three straight seasons as runners-up.
Under manager Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta, the Gunners have targeted reinforcements in midfield, attack and defence, while offloading fringe players to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
With the window set to close on September 1, Arsenal have already invested heavily, with a reported net spend approaching £200 million after sales. The arrivals, blending youth, experience and proven quality address key areas, including a long-awaited No. 9 and midfield replacements for departed veterans Jorginho and Thomas Partey.
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The new signings have quickly integrated into the squad, featuring in pre-season fixtures against Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao, where striker Viktor Gyokeres scored his first goal in a 3-0 win. Arteta has hailed the recruits for “shaking things up” in training and raising competition levels.
However, while Arsenal continue to fine-tune their squad, one of their long-term targets could be on the verge of joining their fiercest rivals. Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to make their first official bid for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, aiming to beat Arsenal to the 27-year-old’s signature.
Arsenal - Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze (Image credit: Getty Images)
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Spurs have accelerated their pursuit following James Maddison’s ACL injury, which has left manager Ange Postecoglou seeking an immediate creative replacement.
Eze, a standout during England’s Euro 2024 campaign and one of the Premier League’s most skilful midfielders, is reportedly open to the move, prioritising Champions League football and a stay in London.
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Tottenham are expected to submit an offer worth around £60 million, potentially rising with add-ons, as they look to negotiate below Eze’s £68 million release clause, which expires on Friday, August 15. Palace, who lost Michael Olise to Bayern Munich last summer, remain reluctant to sell unless their valuation is met.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have cooled their active pursuit, with Arteta prepared to give central role to academy star Ethan Nwaneri this season. Even so, a late move from the Gunners cannot be ruled out if players such as Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli are sold.
Transfer insider Ben Jacobs told talkSPORT that “Tottenham are moving fast to avoid an Arsenal counter,” while The Athletic reports Spurs are confident of convincing Eze to join.
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