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Arsenal Surge Ahead in Race for Eberechi Eze

Arsenal Surge Ahead in Race for Eberechi Eze

Louis L
AUG 11, 2025

Arsenal have emerged as the frontrunners in the race to sign Crystal Palace’s star attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze, according to sources cited by Football Insider. The Gunners have taken pole position over their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the pursuit of the 27-year-old England international, who has become one of the Premier League’s most coveted talents.

With the transfer window entering its final stages, Arsenal’s aggressive push to secure Eze signals their intent to bolster their squad for a serious Premier League title challenge in the 2025/26 season.

Eze: The Jewel in Palace’s Crown

Eberechi Eze’s stock has soared since his £19.5 million move from Queens Park Rangers to Crystal Palace in 2020. Last season, the versatile playmaker delivered 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances, including the decisive strike in Palace’s historic FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. His ability to operate as a No. 10, No. 8, or left winger, combined with his flair, dribbling, and eye for goal, has made him a prime target for top clubs. Eze’s performances earned him a regular spot in England’s squad, and his £68 million release clause—though expired on August 1—remains a benchmark for negotiations.

Arsenal’s interest in Eze is driven by manager Mikel Arteta’s desire to add creativity and dynamism to his attacking unit. Despite a productive transfer window that saw the arrivals of Viktor Gyokeres (£64m), Noni Madueke (£52m), Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, and Kepa Arrizabalaga, the Gunners are still seeking a game-changer to complement captain Martin Odegaard and star winger Bukayo Saka. Eze’s Premier League experience and versatility make him an ideal fit, particularly to address Arsenal’s need for flair on the left flank, where Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have struggled for consistency.

Arsenal’s Edge Over Tottenham

According to Football Insider, Arsenal have surged ahead of Tottenham in the race for Eze, with sources indicating that Palace are bracing for offers in the coming weeks. While Tottenham have long admired Eze, their transfer priorities lie elsewhere, with former scout Mick Brown revealing in February 2025 that Spurs are focusing on strengthening their defense and defensive midfield before pursuing attacking targets.

The presence of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski in similar roles to Eze reduces the urgency for Tottenham, who also have concerns about Son Heung-min’s form, potentially viewing Eze as a long-term replacement. However, Arsenal’s proactive approach and greater financial commitment have given them the upper hand.

Arsenal’s strategy hinges on squad management to facilitate Eze’s signing. Having spent close to £200 million this summer, the Gunners are reportedly planning to offload players to create financial and squad space. Defender Jakub Kiwior has been linked with Juventus and AC Milan, while striker Gabriel Jesus, now third-choice behind Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, could be sold following a cruciate ligament injury that disrupted earlier transfer plans.

Former Manchester United scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Arsenal’s landmark capture of Gyokeres has pushed Jesus down the pecking order, making his departure likely. These sales could provide the funds needed to meet Palace’s valuation, which may exceed the expired £68 million release clause given Eze’s two years remaining on his contract.

Challenges and Opportunities

Crystal Palace are reluctant to lose their talisman, with manager Oliver Glasner emphasizing Eze’s importance to the team’s future. The Eagles’ mid-table finish and FA Cup success last season, coupled with their participation in the UEFA Conference League, give them leverage to demand a premium fee.

A 15 percent sell-on clause owed to QPR could further complicate negotiations, potentially netting the Championship club around £7.5 million if a high-value deal is struck. Despite these hurdles, Arsenal are exploring a payment structure involving instalments to make the transfer feasible, a tactic that could negate the need for a major sale.

Eze’s preference for Arsenal adds a significant boost to their pursuit. Reports from Metro, indicated that Eze, a boyhood Arsenal fan who was released by the club at 13, is “very tempted” by a return to the Emirates.

This emotional connection, combined with Arsenal’s competitive project under Arteta, makes them a more attractive destination than Tottenham, who are yet to match the Gunners’ consistency in challenging for top honors. Tottenham’s reported interest in Southampton’s Tyler Dibling as an alternative target further suggests they may be cooling their pursuit of Eze.

The Bigger Picture

Arsenal’s push for Eze comes amid heightened competition in the Premier League, with Liverpool’s £135 million move for Alexander Isak raising the stakes. The Gunners face a daunting start to the season, with away games against Manchester United, Liverpool, and Newcastle, plus a home clash with Manchester City in their first six matches. Adding Eze’s creativity could prove pivotal in navigating this challenging fixture list and closing the gap on Liverpool, who finished 10 points clear last season.

For Arsenal fans, Eze’s potential arrival represents more than just a transfer—it’s a homecoming for a player who could elevate their attack to new heights. His ability to create “magic moments,” as seen in his FA Cup heroics, aligns with Arteta’s vision of a squad capable of breaking down low blocks and competing in the Champions League.

However, the clock is ticking, with the Premier League season kicking off on August 15, 2025. Arsenal’s ability to finalize a deal before Palace regain full control of Eze’s future will be crucial.

Conclusion

Arsenal’s position as leaders in the race for Eberechi Eze underscores their ambition to reclaim the Premier League title for the first time since 2004. With Tottenham trailing and Palace open to offers, the Gunners have a golden opportunity to secure a player who could transform their attack.

If Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta can navigate the financial complexities and offload surplus players, Eze’s signing could be the defining move of Arsenal’s summer, sending a statement to rivals and igniting hopes of a historic season at the Emirates.

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