Arsenal have reportedly entered the race to sign Eberechi Eze, the dazzling Crystal Palace playmaker, who has also attracted strong interest from North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. With a £68 million release clause looming large, a fierce transfer battle is expected to unfold between the two Premier League giants.
According to credible sources, Arsenal’s newly-appointed sporting director Andrea Berta has already initiated talks with Eze’s representatives and Crystal Palace in an effort to bolster the Gunners’ attacking midfield options ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The move, if finalized, would mark a full-circle moment in Eze’s career — as the England international was released by Arsenal at the age of 13.
A Bittersweet Past Could Lead to a Triumphant Return
Eze’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Recalling his heartbreak from being let go by Arsenal, the midfielder once said, “I was in tears, completely devastated.” But more than a decade later, the same club that once let him go could now bring him back — this time, not as a youth hopeful, but as a marquee signing.
At 26 years old, Eze is entering the prime of his career. He just enjoyed a breakout season with Crystal Palace, earning praise for his creativity, flair, and goalscoring instincts — not to mention impressive performances with the England national team.
Tottenham, however, aren’t ready to back down. Their new manager Thomas Frank — formerly of Brentford — is said to be a big admirer of Eze’s style and has made him a top summer target. Spurs had initially been pursuing Bryan Mbeumo, but with the Brentford winger close to joining Manchester United, Eze has become the new focal point.
Arsenal’s Other Targets: Competition and Strategic Options
While Arsenal are exploring Eze’s transfer seriously, the club is also weighing up alternative targets. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is believed to be available for around £70 million, though his salary demands could prove to be a stumbling block.
Additionally, the Gunners remain on the hunt for a new center-forward. Benjamin Šeško of RB Leipzig is reportedly high on the shortlist, while Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres is also under consideration.
Defensively, Arsenal are close to completing a deal for Valencia center-back Cristhian Mosquera and are working behind the scenes to secure a long-term contract extension for William Saliba, their defensive linchpin.
Midfield Reinforcements and Goalkeeper Moves Underway
In midfield, Christian Nørgaard (Brentford) and Martín Zubimendi (Real Sociedad) have emerged as strong options, as manager Mikel Arteta seeks greater squad depth and tactical flexibility for the long season ahead.
Meanwhile, the club is on the verge of finalizing a low-cost move for Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, with a reported fee of £5 million, aimed at strengthening their goalkeeping unit.
Will Eze Return to Arsenal or Join Spurs?
With both Arsenal and Tottenham poised for a bidding war, Eberechi Eze’s future hangs in the balance. Will he make a romantic return to the Emirates Stadium, where it all began? Or will Spurs lure him with a fresh vision and a starring role in their evolving squad?
As the summer transfer window heats up, one thing is certain — Eze is no longer the overlooked teenager he once was. He’s now one of the most coveted talents in English football, and the battle for his signature could define the transfer narratives in North London this summer.
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