Arsenal - Eberechi Eze
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle with Crystal Palace to sign attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze, according toThe Athletic’s David Ornstein.
The deal is expected to be worth around £68 million, matching the value of Eze’s now-expired release clause and places the Gunners ahead of rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who were also prepared to meet Palace’s valuation for the 27-year-old England international.
Personal terms are close to being finalised. Eze is expected to feature for Palace in their UEFA Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad on Thursday before undergoing a medical ahead of his move to north London. The transfer has been spearheaded by Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta and vice-chairman Tim Lewis, underlining the club’s determination to strengthen their squad for the 2025/26 campaign.
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Eze has been a standout performer since joining Palace from Queens Park Rangers for £17 million in 2020. He has made 169 appearances for the Eagles, scoring 40 goals and registering 24 assists. Comfortable as a No. 10, on the left wing, or in a deeper midfield role, Eze’s ability to unlock defences with incisive dribbling and passing has established him as one of the Premier League’s most creative attacking players. Capped 12 times by England, he will bring both quality and experience to Mikel Arteta’s side.
The move comes at a critical moment for Arsenal, who are managing injury concerns in attack. Kai Havertz recently picked up a knee injury during the 1-0 win over Manchester United, and while early reports suggest he has avoided serious ACL damage, the Gunners remain cautious as they await a full prognosis.
Arsenal - Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze (Image credit: Getty Images)
Eze is not viewed as a direct replacement for Havertz but will offer Arteta tactical flexibility across the forward line. His arrival provides additional options alongside Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, while also giving Arteta the ability to shuffle players like Trossard and Mikel Merino into central roles if needed.
For Arsenal supporters, the signing also carries emotional resonance. A boyhood Gunners fan, Eze spent time in the club’s academy before being released at the age of 13. His potential return to north London at the peak of his career represents both a homecoming and a major boost to Arsenal’s title ambitions. The fact that Arsenal look set to beat Tottenham to his signature only adds to the excitement among fans.
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Arsenal’s pursuit of Eze has been long-standing, with the club first exploring a move earlier this summer during delicate negotiations over a new contract for teenage talent Ethan Nwaneri. At the time, the Gunners hesitated to meet Palace’s valuation, but Havertz’s setback and Arsenal’s determination to challenge for the Premier League title and compete in the Champions League have prompted decisive action.
Eze would become Arsenal’s third marquee signing of the window, following the arrivals of striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP for €63.5 million and winger Noni Madueke from Chelsea for £48.5 million. His addition further bolsters Arteta’s attacking arsenal as the Gunners aim to go toe-to-toe with Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the table.
A successful medical after Palace’s European fixture is expected to clear the way for the transfer to be finalised, allowing Eze to integrate quickly into Arteta’s squad ahead of upcoming fixtures against Leeds United and champions Liverpool.
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