Arsenal hijack Tottenham deal to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace. Arsenal have completed an incredible late deal to sign Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze for up to £67.5 million, stealing a march on North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a remarkable transfer hijack.
Last-Minute Twist
In a remarkable twist, Arsenal entered negotiations on Wednesday when they learned that Crystal Palace’s negotiations for the player with Tottenham were progressing. While Spurs had a deal agreed with Palace, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta and vice-chairman Tim Lewis entered the mix with an agreement they made up to the £60 million upfront transfer fee and £7.5 million in performance-related add-ons—both the same as Tottenham—and convinced the player to pick the Emirates Stadium.
🗣️ "It seems to be different rules for Arsenal and Spurs"
Kaveh Solhekol says Eberechi Eze was expected to play for Crystal Palace tonight as part of the deal to join Spurs, but will now not feature ahead of joining Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/NPVjhMfZqv
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 21, 2025
Player’s Personal Decision
Eze, a boyhood supporter of Arsenal who was in the club’s academy before his release at 13, has long wanted to return. He is on record saying to friends earlier this summer that he wanted to join the Gunners. His attachment to the emotional side of Arsenal was key in the end despite Tottenham being in a good position to complete a move.
Spurs & Arsenal both reached an agreement with Crystal Palace for Eberechi Eze today.
But Eze’s preference is Arsenal, per reports ⏳ pic.twitter.com/7Hx6m2y6Rr
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 20, 2025
Strategic Fit for Arsenal
The acceleration of the deal came after Kai Havertz knee injury. The injury might keep him out for a long time. Eze’s versatility – as a No. 10, No. 11 and support striker – gives Mikel Arteta creativity and tactical flexibility. His ability to not only break down defensive blocks but also to score and assist as well as provide depth tackles a significant weakness from last season.
Tottenham’s Response
Tottenham, disappointed after also missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White earlier this window, are now expected to pivot to alternative targets, with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers among their options.
Eze’s Palace Farewell
Eze was omitted from Crystal Palace’s squad for their Europa Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad on Thursday. Manager Oliver Glasner confirmed Eze declared himself “not ready to play,” signaling his imminent departure. His final appearance for Palace was in Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Chelsea.
Medical and Completion
Eze is scheduled to undergo a medical on Friday. Assuming all goes well, he will become Arsenal’s seventh signing of the summer. The list follows the arrivals of Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, and others.
Emotional Return
For Eze, this move represents a dream homecoming. After a 14-year journey that included rejections and lower-league struggles before his breakthrough at QPR and rise at Crystal Palace. His winning goal in Palace’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May cemented his legacy there.
The Road Ahead
This transfer not only strengthens Arsenal’s attack but also delivers a psychological blow to Tottenham. For Palace, the substantial fee allows them to reinvest, though they lose a player who became a club legend.