Arsenal are on the verge of completing a £68 million deal for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze after reaching an agreement in principle with the South London club, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.
The 26-year-old midfielder is set to make his final appearance for Palace in their UEFA Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad on Thursday before undergoing a medical ahead of his move to the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta has been determined to add further creativity to his squad before the September 1 transfer deadline. Arsenal have already secured Noni Madueke from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £52 million, but Arteta has continued to push for another dynamic attacking option.
Eze, widely regarded as one of the most gifted playmakers in the Premier League, has long been admired by the Gunners, and the club have now beaten Tottenham Hotspur to his signature.
Spurs had been working on a move for Eze earlier this summer, but Arsenal moved decisively this week, agreeing to meet Palace’s conditions. Although the £68m release clause in Eze’s contract expired earlier this month, negotiations between the clubs have resulted in a deal for a similar figure.
Eze, a fan favourite at Selhurst Park, has impressed with his technical ability, creativity, and eye for goal, drawing praise from pundits such as Jamie Carragher, who has labelled him a “superstar.” Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta and vice-chairman Tim Lewis spearheaded talks to secure the deal, ensuring that Tottenham’s late attempt to hijack the transfer was unsuccessful.
The move represents a significant statement of intent from Arsenal, who are determined to strengthen their squad for both domestic and European campaigns, while simultaneously denying their local rivals a major target.
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