Arsenal have struck a late deal to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, hijacking Tottenham Hotspur’s long-running pursuit of the playmaker. Palace accepted a £60 million package from Arsenal on Wednesday evening, with both Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein confirming that an agreement has been reached between the clubs. Arsenal are now finalising personal terms with the 27-year-old, who is said to favour a move to the Emirates. The decisive move follows an injury setback for Kai Havertz, which accelerated Arsenal’s push for attacking reinforcements.
Arsenal agree £60m package with Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace accepted Arsenal’s £60 million offer for Eze after direct talks progressed rapidly. The deal matches the level of the player’s expired release clause and is structured more favourably than Spurs’ proposal, with smoother payment terms and more realistic add-ons. Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the “agreement club to club [is] done” and that Eze is keen on the Arsenal project.
⚪️ Crystal Palace accept tonight £60m package from Arsenal for Eberechi Eze, agreement club to club done.
Arsenal finalising contract terms with Eze with player keen on joining #AFC project.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 20, 2025
Tottenham left frustrated after long pursuit
Tottenham had prepared to trigger Eze’s release clause earlier in the summer and remained in position with an agreement in principle on personal terms. However, Arsenal re-entered the race this week, spurred by Havertz’s knee injury, and quickly overtook their rivals. David Ornstein reported that Eze was expected to feature for Palace on Thursday before travelling for an Arsenal medical.
Arsenal reach agreement in principle with Crystal Palace to sign Eberechi Eze. Deal worth around expired £68m release clause – matching what #THFC were ready to pay. Personal terms close + 27yo plays for #CPFC on Thurs before #AFC medical @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/vo5xWTomOI
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 20, 2025
Player preference and terms tip balance to Arsenal
While Spurs worked for weeks on the deal, Arsenal’s late push proved more compelling. The Gunners’ payment structure and previous discussions between Eze, Mikel Arteta, and sporting director Andrea Berta are believed to have left a lasting impact. Reports add that Eze personally prefers Arsenal’s project and sees the Emirates as his next step.
For Arsenal, the move represents a decisive response to a transfer setback, strengthening Arteta’s options at a key stage of the season. For Tottenham, it is another painful reminder of how quickly a rival can turn the market against them.
