By Kennedy Nalyanya
Arsenal have agreed a stunning £67.5 million deal to sign Eberechi Eze, completing a dramatic transfer that saw them swoop in and snatch the highly-rated forward from under the nose of bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The widely reported figure for the deal is a guaranteed £60 million, with an additional £7.5 million in performance-related add-ons. This late-stage intervention by the Gunners has sent shockwaves through the transfer market, marking one of the most audacious moves of the summer window.
For Tottenham, the news is a bitter pill to swallow. Reports indicate that Spurs believed they had a firm agreement in place with both Crystal Palace and the player, having spent days in negotiations. However, Arsenal's rekindled interest—reportedly accelerated following a recent injury concern to Kai Havertz—proved to be the decisive factor, with the Gunners either matching or slightly exceeding Tottenham's offer. The move is a further blow to Spurs fans already frustrated by a difficult transfer window.
The transfer is a key moment for Crystal Palace, who are now set to lose their star man. Manager Oliver Glasner has already seemingly confirmed the impending departure, wishing Eze "all the best for his new club." The England international was notably left out of Palace's recent Conference League playoff squad, with Glasner stating Eze "doesn't feel well to play," a clear signal that the forward’s time at Selhurst Park has come to an end.
While a deal has been agreed between the clubs, the transfer is not yet officially complete. Eze is expected to undergo his medical examination today, and final personal terms are being ironed out. The transfer will only be formally confirmed once these steps are concluded and both clubs make a public announcement.
For Eze, the move represents a homecoming of sorts. The 27-year-old was a youth player at Arsenal before being released at age 13. He has since flourished at Crystal Palace, culminating in a spectacular season that saw him score the winning goal in the FA Cup final. Now, he looks set to return to the club he supported as a boy, a move that is sure to delight Arsenal fans and further ignite the north London rivalry.
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