Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace after agreeing a £60 million deal in principle, with an additional £8 million in performance-based add-ons.
The move marks a major coup for the Gunners, who managed to swoop in late despite strong interest and near-finalised talks between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur.
According to sources, Eze has expressed a clear preference for a return to Arsenal, where he began his youth career. His decision ultimately tipped the scale in Arsenal’s favour, despite Tottenham having spent over a week negotiating a deal that had been agreed in principle earlier on Wednesday.
Arsenal’s interest intensified following concerns over a knee injury sustained by German international Kai Havertz. With the new season underway, manager Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his attacking options, and Eze’s versatility and goal-scoring ability make him an ideal addition to the squad.
Eze, 27, is expected to bring creativity and dynamism to the Gunners’ forward line. Last season, he scored 14 goals across all competitions, including a decisive strike in Crystal Palace’s historic 1-0 FA Cup final win against Manchester City. His performances have not gone unnoticed, earning him call-ups to the England national team and placing him among the Premier League’s standout midfield talents.
Despite the impending move, Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed that Eze remains part of his plans in the short term. “Eze will start in Thursday’s UEFA Conference League play-off tie against Fredrikstad, alongside Marc Guehi,” Glasner stated. “They are both committed to the team.”
While Palace had hoped to keep their star playmaker, Eze’s contract included a now-expired release clause valued at £60 million, which Arsenal matched. Palace originally signed Eze from Queens Park Rangers in 2020 for £19.5 million, and the midfielder’s current deal runs until the summer of 2027.
Sources also indicate that Eze is pushing for the transfer to be completed before the summer window closes on 1 September, signaling his eagerness to begin a new chapter in north London.
Eze had a goal controversially ruled out during Palace’s opening-day draw with Chelsea, a reminder of the attacking flair he consistently brings. If the deal is finalised, Arsenal fans will be hoping he can replicate and even elevate that form in red and white.
