Tom Weber
Tom Weber
Updated: 20 Aug 2025 19:49 BST
4 min read
Eberechi Eze, Arsenal
© IMAGO
Arsenal have formally opened talks with Crystal Palace for the signing of Eberechi Eze, according to David Ornstein.
One of the biggest transfer sagas of the window has taken yet another twist. Earlier this summer, Arsenal appeared to be closing in on a move for Eze, only to back away from the deal after extending Ethan Nwaneri's contract.
This allowed Tottenham to swoop in for the England star, and Spurs even managed to agree personal terms. Meanwhile, talks took place between Daniel Levy and his Crystal Palace counterpart Steve Parish.
There had been reports of an agreement in principle between Tottenham and Palace for a fee in the region of €69 million on Tuesday, but reliable sources downplayed these claims as premature.
Now, Arsenal have re-emerged for Eze following a knee injury sustained by Kai Havertz, which has forced the Gunners back into the market after it initially appeared as though their summer business was done.
Arsenal open Eze talks
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Arsenal have now 'made their move' for Eze by opening formal talks with Crystal Palace in a bid to hijack Tottenham's anticipated transfer.
Ornstein adds that Spurs had actually managed to agree a deal with Palace earlier today, Wednesday, but that they are now ready to move on to different targets should Eze choose the Gunners.
Eberechi Eze
© IMAGO - Eberechi Eze
There is a good chance that he does so, as the 27-year-old is a boyhood Arsenal fan. Indeed, Ornstein states that Eze 'wants to join them' in what is a massive blow for Tottenham, who are looking for a replacement for the injured James Maddison.
Arsenal appear to be on the verge of re-hijacking the deal for Eze in a move that will delight supporters. Fans were beginning to get restless over the lack of further incomings and were underwhelmed when news broke on Tuesday that Leandro Trossard had received a pay rise.
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