In a stunning late-summer transfer coup, Arsenal have agreed a £67.5 million deal to sign Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze, hijacking Tottenham Hotspur’s long-standing pursuit of the England international. The breakthrough, reported by Sky Sports, was confirmed just 24 hours ago, sending shockwaves through the Premier League.
This move strengthens Arsenal’s squad ahead of their crucial match against Liverpool on 31st August, while leaving Tottenham reeling as the transfer window nears its September 1 deadline.
🚨❤️🤍 BREAKING: Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, here we go! Verbal agreement in place between all parties.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 20, 2025
Crystal Palace to receive package in excess of £60m as Eze preferred #AFC over Spurs.
Arsenal win race over Tottenham, been in advanced talks for days but never sealed. pic.twitter.com/nUN2gXXjgY
Deal Details and Background
The Sky Sports report details that Arsenal activated Eze’s release clause, which expired over the weekend, with a £60 million base fee plus £7.5 million in add-ons, outbidding Tottenham’s £68 million offer that included a significant upfront payment.
The 27-year-old, who scored 11 goals and provided 6 assists in the 2024/25 season, had been in advanced talks with Spurs, with manager Thomas Frank expressing interest ahead of the UEFA Super Cup clash with PSG (ESPN, August 12).
However, Arsenal’s swift intervention, led by sporting director Andrea Berta, sealed the deal after a meeting with Eze last month convinced him of the Gunners’ project.Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed Eze’s departure on August 17, noting his start against Chelsea despite transfer rumors, but the move collapsed Tottenham’s plans.
The Sky Sports article cites sources indicating Eze’s eagerness to join Arsenal, where he was a youth product, over Spurs’ Champions League lure, a decision that stunned the North London rivals.
Eberechi Eze - Homecoming pic.twitter.com/K3cWSXptBW
— AM (@Prime_afc) August 20, 2025
Context and Timing
The move gains urgency following Kai Havertz’s knee injury, reported by Arseblog News on August 20, which could sideline him for up to three months, prompting Arteta to bolster his attack.
For Tottenham, the hijack is a blow after losing James Maddison to an ACL injury and Son Heung-min to a move abroad, with Savinho talks stalling due to Manchester City’s Rodrygo pursuit. The Sky Sports report notes Spurs felt they had an agreement with Palace on August 14, only for Arsenal to pounce, leveraging their financial muscle and Eze’s childhood allegiance.
Tactical and Strategic Implications
Eze’s versatility—capable of playing as a No. 10 or winger—addresses Arsenal’s left-flank issues. Arteta’s 4-3-3 could see Eze slotting alongside Saka and Gyokeres, enhancing creativity—Eze averaged 2.1 key passes per game.
For Tottenham, the loss disrupts their plan to replace Maddison, with Savinho talks now critical. The Sky Sports report suggests Spurs may pivot to other targets, but the timing—eight days before the deadline—limits options.
Conclusion
Arsenal’s £67.5 million capture of Eberechi Eze marks a dramatic transfer triumph, hijacking Tottenham and bolstering their title challenge. With three days until the Liverpool fixture, Arteta gains a timely boost, while Spurs face a strategic rethink.
