The deal, confirmed by multiple sources close to the negotiations, includes £60 million in guaranteed fees, with an additional £7.5 million in performance-related add-ons. Eze, 27, is expected to finalize personal terms and undergo a medical following his final appearance for Crystal Palace in their UEFA Conference League playoff clash this week.
Tottenham had been in advanced discussions to bring the England international to north London, with reports suggesting the club had agreed to meet Eze’s release clause. However, Arsenal swooped in decisively in recent days, capitalizing on the situation following a knee injury to midfielder Kai Havertz, which accelerated the club’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements.
Sources tell CNN that Eze was open to both moves, but ultimately favored Arsenal, a club he supported as a child and where he briefly spent time in the academy during his youth.
If finalized, the move will mark Arsenal’s seventh signing of the summer and one of the most significant of the transfer window. Manager Mikel Arteta has long admired Eze’s creativity, dribbling ability, and versatility across attacking positions.
Eze, who scored 12 goals and contributed five assists in the Premier League last season, is expected to provide depth and competition in Arsenal’s attacking midfield and forward lines.
The hijacking has sparked frustration among Tottenham supporters and pundits. Former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara blasted the club’s hierarchy, calling the failed deal a “disgrace” and accusing rivals Arsenal of “outclassing Spurs in the market yet again.”
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, face the daunting task of replacing their talismanic attacker just days before the Premier League season ramps up.
Eze’s addition is seen as a major boost to Arsenal’s title ambitions as they seek to go one better than their second-place finish last season. The club is expected to make the official announcement once the player completes his medical and signs his contract.
If all goes according to plan, Eze could be available for selection before the end of August.
