Tottenham trump Arsenal after ‘reaching agreement’ to sign £47m star
Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of completing one of the most high-profile transfers of the summer, with journalist Ben Jacobs reporting that the club have reached an agreement in principle with Crystal Palace for the signing of Eberechi Eze.
Eze, who has developed into one of the Premier League’s most technically gifted and creative attacking midfielders since his arrival at Selhurst Park in 2020, has long been admired by top clubs across England. Over the past few seasons, his ability to dictate games, produce moments of magic, and contribute both goals and assists has firmly established him as a standout performer outside the traditional “big six.”
North London Battle for Eze
Arsenal were strongly linked with a move earlier in this window, with Mikel Arteta reportedly a huge admirer of the England international. However, the Gunners’ pursuit cooled after youngster Ethan Nwaneri committed his future to the Emirates and the club failed to offload certain fringe players to create squad space. That hesitation opened the door for Spurs, who, according to multiple sources, stepped up negotiations aggressively in recent weeks to ensure Eze would not slip through their grasp.
Now, Tottenham appear to have beaten their North London rivals to one of the league’s most exciting attacking talents. Palace’s 27-year-old talisman—currently valued at around £47 million by Transfermarkt—even featured in their Premier League opener against Chelsea, where his well-taken free-kick was controversially disallowed. That game, however, may prove to be his last appearance in red and blue as the Eagles brace themselves for his departure.
Reports suggest Palace are already scouring the market for a suitable replacement. In the meantime, Eze continues to train with the squad while the final details of his switch to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are ironed out.
Why Tottenham Moved for Eze
Spurs’ interest in strengthening their attacking midfield options was evident even before James Maddison’s devastating knee injury, which is set to rule him out for much of the campaign. Earlier in the summer, the club came close to sealing a deal for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White before the player committed to fresh terms. That setback only sharpened their focus on alternative options, with Eze quickly emerging as Thomas Frank’s number one target.
The addition of Eze makes strategic sense for Spurs. In Maddison’s absence, the England international could step directly into the number 10 role, bringing creativity, drive, and a threat from both open play and set-pieces. Frank, known for his tactical flexibility, could also deploy Eze in multiple roles across the frontline. While most comfortable centrally, Eze has thrived when operating from the left wing, where his dribbling and ability to cut inside pose constant problems for defenders.
Spurs’ Ambitions with Eze and Kudus
The potential arrival of Eze adds another layer of quality to a Tottenham squad already bolstered by the signing of Mohammed Kudus earlier in the summer. With both Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski sidelined, the duo of Eze and Kudus could be vital in keeping Spurs competitive on multiple fronts.
Eze’s arrival would not only provide Spurs with much-needed depth but also elevate their attacking threat as they chase domestic consistency and aim for a deep run in Europe. His creativity, vision, and unpredictability could make him the difference-maker in tight contests—something Tottenham have desperately needed in recent seasons.
In what promises to be a transformative signing, Tottenham’s capture of Eberechi Eze would underline their intent to build a squad capable of challenging at the highest level. For Palace, meanwhile, it marks the end of an era for one of their brightest stars, and the start of yet another rebuild as they search for someone to fill the void left by their departing talisman.