ARSENAL have made a move to hijack Eberechi Eze’s transfer to Tottenham.
The Gunners have held a long-term interest in signing the 27-year-old from Crystal Palace.
ReutersArsenal have made a move to sign Eberechi Eze[/caption]
And following news of Kai Havertz’s knee injury, which could see him sidelined for a significant period, Arsenal transfer chiefs have moved quickly to try and cover that position.
Spurs had been in pole position to sign the England international, with an agreement over a deal worth £60million close to being reached.
Palace had not yet finalised a deal as they waited for payment conditions to be settled, while they also wanted to ensure the attacking midfielder was available for Thursday’s Conference League play-off match with Fredrikstad.
However, SunSport now understands Arsenal are closing in on signing Eze.
Former Queen’s Park Rangers star Eze now has a choice between the signing for the two north London clubs.
But Eze, a boyhood Arsenal fan and a former Hale End academy star, has already indicated he wants to join Mikel Arteta’s side.
Arsenal, like Tottenham, would offer him a step up in his career as he enters his prime years.
They can also offer Champions League football, but with far more stability at home after three second-place finishes in the Premier League and a run to the Champions League semi-final.
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Spurs did win the Europa League last season to earn a spot in the Champions League, but also finished 17th in the league.
Despite speculation over his future, Eze started Crystal Palace’s 0-0 draw at Chelsea on Sunday and had a free-kick goal controversially ruled out against the Blues.
Speaking about Eze’s future, Eagles boss Oliver Glasner said: “You are just talking about rumours.
“Eberechi Eze, as much as I know, has a contract with Crystal Palace, he’s a Crystal Palace player.
“I know Ebs’ clause is gone, it’s the club’s decision and we will see what happens.”
Eze joined the club in a £17m deal in 2020 and has gone on to make 167 appearances for the south London club, scoring 40 goals.
His contributions for Palace included scoring in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and the winner in the final of the last season’s FA Cup as Palace won their first ever major trophy.
He also starred in the Community Shield at Wembley, but missed a penalty in the shootout as Palace beat Liverpool 3-2 in the shootout.
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