Eberechi Eze transfer bombshell as Arsenal respond after Tottenham talks

Arsenalhave made a late move for Eberechi Eze in the wake of the injury to Kai Havertz.

The England international has been heavily linked with a move away from Crystal Palace this summer and it has seemed likely for some time that a move to Tottenham was on the cards.

However, now it seems there has been a fresh twist with Eze's future with Arsenal now stepping up their interest.

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Arsenal now face a race to convince Palace to agree to a move and to beat Tottenham to the signing of the 27-year-old. football.london understands that the Gunners had been the preference of the player who played for the team as a youngster and has supported them too.

It was reported by football.london earlier on Wednesday that Spurs and Palace were locked in talks with the hope of reaching an agreement for Eze's transfer.

There have also been reports that Palace were waiting to sign off on the deal until they secured a suitable replacement.

It seems, though, that the delay has allowed Arsenal to respond and swoop in to beat Tottenham to Eze's signature. As David Ornstein has reported, Eze wants the Gunners as a priority. This means potentially signing a player of potential world-class quality and gazumping their North London rivals in the process.

Eze had a £67.5million release clause in his contract at Palace, which expired earlier this month, but this was never believed to have been a concern for the Gunners if they were to make a move.

But Arsenal have indeed now made their move for Eze in the aftermath of an injury to Havertz. football.london understands that despite awaiting scans for the German international’s situation, which developed following the match with Manchester United, the concern surrounding the player has prompted the move for the Crystal Palace talisman.

Interest in Eze initially had been rolled back following the renewal of Ethan Nwaneri’s new contract. The club does see Eze as a central player, but Havertz was not only a centre-forward option being lost but also a player who can play across the attack and, importantly, in midfield.

Palace have been due to play against Fredrikstad in a UEFA Conference League play-off and had trained today ahead of the match. It remains to be seen whether he will not be involved or whether the transfer talks with Arsenal have changed his presence in the squad. (edited)