The Crystal Palace offensive midfielder appears to have made his decision.
Eberechi Eze has apparently picked between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Eze, 27, who is under contract with the Eagles until 2027, has attracted interest from both north London clubs in recent weeks and is set to leave Crystal Palace before the transfer market closes on September 1.
Arsenal’s interest appeared to have cooled last week, as Spurs pushed to complete the transfer, with journalist Fabrizio Romano saying that the England international made it obvious that he wanted to join Thomas Frank’s team.
On Sunday, Romano wrote: “Tottenham and Crystal Palace chairmen Daniel Levy and Steve Parish are in direct touch today over the Eberechi Eze transaction.
“I understand Spurs are willing to offer a £55 million fixed fee plus £5 million in add-ons to complete the deal.
“Eze informed Palace last week of his desire to join #THFC.”
However, a twist has occurred, as on Wednesday evening, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported that Arsenal has “made their move” for Eze, who “wants to join them”.
This follows recent conversations between Palace chairman Steve Parish and Tottenham Hotspur chief Daniel Levy.
Ornstein is reporting that “Spurs had the conditions of a deal agreed with Palace today and the player, but are ready to move on to alternative targets if Eze chooses Arsenal” .
However, Palace refused to approve the transfer because Eze needed to be available for the first leg of the Europa Conference League play-off against Norway’s Fredrikstad on Thursday.
The Gunners are apparently willing to satisfy the criteria and wait, while Spurs would most likely look for alternative targets.
Eze would be a welcome addition to the Gunners’ assault after Kai Havertz suffered a knee injury that would keep him sidelined. This leaves Mikel Arteta with only one senior forward, Viktor Gyokeres, at his disposal.
What did Eberechi Eze say about Arsenal?
During an interview with Alessandro Morolli-Schiavone in 2018, Eze, an offensive midfielder for Queens Park Rangers, revealed that Arsenal was his favourite team.
When asked why he admired the Gunners, Eze stated, “I just supported them from [a] young [age], the way they play…” “I played with them when I was younger as well.”
He stated, “When I was younger, I used to love Thierry Henry, which is why I decided to sign there…” I wanted to play for the club I supported. I’ve developed a fondness for the team.”
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