Spurs looked set to land Eberechi Eze but hesitation over timing gave Arsenal the perfect chance to swoop in.
Spurs hesitation for Eze opens the door for Arsenal
For weeks, Tottenham had been tipped as the favorites to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace. Talks moved along, but Palace made it clear they wanted the midfielder available for their Conference League clash with Fredrikstad. That small delay proved costly.
Without a deal signed, Spurs left the door wide open. Arsenal spotted the gap and moved quickly with a firm £68m bid, sealing verbal agreements with both club and player.
Insiders suggest Eze was leaning towards Spurs until Gunners’ late push. For Tottenham, the timing could not have been worse. The Lilywhites already face a midfield crisis with James Maddison ruled out for months.
Meanwhile, Dejan Kulusevski is still recovering, and Son Heung-min gone to MLS. So, Eze was seen as the key name to rebuild Thomas Frank’s attacking options. Instead, Spurs were left red-faced as Arsenal pulled off a late hijack.
What a mess. Understand Spurs agreed to Palace's terms today and had agreed terms with Eze. The player was ready to come to Tottenham. Palace hadn't finalised the deal as they wanted him available for tomorrow night's European game. (contd)
— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) August 20, 2025
Gunners emotional pull
Beyond the money, emotion played its part. Eze grew up an Arsenal fan and spent time in the club’s youth academy before being released at 13. He once admitted he cried for a week after that rejection. The chance to wear red again was always going to be tempting. With Kai Havertz sidelined through injury, Mikel Arteta’s side had the perfect excuse to bring Eze home.
For Tottenham, it is another bitter chapter in a transfer window full of setbacks. Reports now link them to **Aston Villa**’s Morgan Rogers. But, fans know it won’t feel the same. Missing out on a player who seemed within reach hurts more when the rivals across town are the ones celebrating.
Author’s Opinion
Spurs hesitated and Arsenal made the most out of it. In football, delays kill deals, and Tottenham learned that the hard way. The Gunners didn’t just steal a signing, they reignited an old rivalry with perfect timing.