Preparations underway at Crystal Palace as top-tier opponents make ready to submit offer for Eberechi Eze
Arsenal Secure Eberechi Eze Transfer from Crystal Palace
In a surprising turn of events, Arsenal have managed to hijack the transfer of Eberechi Eze from Tottenham Hotspur, strengthening their squad and adding depth amidst injury concerns [1][2][4][5].
Eze, a boyhood Arsenal fan, was initially in talks with Tottenham, having agreed personal terms and a transfer fee with Crystal Palace. However, a delay in Arsenal's formal offer provided an opening for the Gunners to engage with the player and the club [1][2].
Arsenal's swift action was further accelerated by an injury to Kai Havertz, prompting the club to act decisively and secure Eze's transfer for a reported fee of around £67.5 million [1][5].
Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour believes Eze could be a great signing for the club, emphasising the importance of depth in the squad, especially for teams playing Champions League football [6].
Eze, who scored the winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, has expressed his desire to play Champions League football and ideally remain in London [7].
Tottenham, who had shown initial interest in Eze, are now set to make a bid for the Crystal Palace attacker. However, their pursuit is separate from their interest in Manchester City winger Savinho [3].
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest blocked a move for Morgan Gibbs-White, who subsequently signed a new deal with the club, ending any potential transfer [8].
In a separate development, Arsenal also appear better-positioned to offer players in exchange or in future deals to Crystal Palace, potentially smoothing negotiations [2].
As for Tottenham, if they were to secure Eze's signature, it would be a significant coup for the club and manager Thomas Frank [7].
Ray Parlour also mentioned Christian Norgaard as a good addition for Arsenal due to his experience and ability to contribute as a second fiddle [6]. Meanwhile, it seems that Leandro Trossard is the more likely of the two to leave should any exit materialise [7].
If Eze were to remain at Selhurst Park for at least one more year, it remains to be seen whether Crystal Palace will engage at a number below the clause valuation even after it expires [3].
[1] - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62851995 [2] - https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11705/12463763/eberechi-eze-arsenal-beat-tottenham-to-sign-crystal-palace-star [3] - https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/arsenal-beat-tottenham-to-sign-eberechi-eze-from-crystal-palace/blt442240556b547d22 [4] - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2023/08/01/arsenal-beats-tottenham-sign-eberechi-eze-transfer-crystal-palace/ [5] - https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/arsenal-eberechi-eze-crystal-palace-b2251607.html [6] - https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11705/12463759/eberechi-eze-arsenal-transfer-ray-parlour-says-gunners-have-signed-icing-on-the-cake [7] - https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/eberechi-eze-arsenal-tottenham-spurs-transfer-latest-23446548 [8] - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62857625
- Arsenal's signing of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace could potentially enhance their squad, especially with the Premier League and Champions League on the horizon.
- Eze's transfer to Arsenal may have come as a surprise, but it was accelerated by an injury to Kai Havertz and a delay in Arsenal's initial offer.
- Eze, a former Crystal Palace player, has expressed his desire to play Champions League football and could help Arsenal in their pursuit of European leagues.
- Tottenham, initially interested in Eze, are now considering a bid for the Crystal Palace attacker, amidst their separate interest in Manchester City's Savinho.
