Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze is edging closer to a move to Arsenal in a deal worth around £60 million ($81 million) after being left out of Palace’s squad for their Europa Conference League play-off clash against Fredrikstad.
Eze, 27, was not included in either the starting lineup or on the bench by manager Oliver Glasner, sparking further speculation about his future. The England international is a fan favorite at Selhurst Park, having scored the winning goal in Palace’s historic FA Cup triumph over Manchester City in May, the club’s first major trophy.
Tottenham Hotspur had previously been in talks to sign Eze during the ongoing transfer window, but Arsenal have now emerged as frontrunners. If the deal goes through, it would mark a remarkable return for Eze, who was released by Arsenal at the age of 13.
The Gunners have already spent heavily this summer, surpassing £250 million in signings, including Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi. Eze would be their seventh addition.
Arsenal’s interest intensified after Kai Havertz suffered a knee injury in the club’s 1-0 opening-day win over Manchester United. Although Havertz finished the game, he missed Wednesday’s open training session and his recovery timeline remains uncertain.
Manager Mikel Arteta is determined to strengthen his squad as Arsenal aim to end a 22-year wait for a Premier League title, having finished runners-up to Liverpool last season.
Meanwhile, Spurs, who ended last season in 17th place despite winning the Europa League, have been left frustrated as their rivals close in on one of their key targets.
Arteta will address the media on Friday ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Leeds on Saturday, where further clarity on Eze’s potential move may be given.
What you should know
Eberechi Eze looks set to join Arsenal in a blockbuster £60m transfer that would see him return to the club that once released him as a teenager.
The Crystal Palace hero, who secured the FA Cup for the Eagles earlier this year, is expected to become Arsenal’s seventh summer signing. His arrival comes at a crucial time, with Kai Havertz sidelined through injury and Mikel Arteta determined to mount another title challenge.
If finalized, the deal will push Arsenal’s summer spending beyond £250m, signaling their ambition to end their long wait for a Premier League crown.
