Arsenal Hijack Spurs’ Move for Eberechi Eze in Stunning £67.5m Deal
Arsenal have pulled off a sensational late move to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, beating Tottenham to the £67.5m transfer. Here’s how it happened and what it means for Spurs.
Shortest90
- August 21, 2025
Arsenal have pulled off one of the most dramatic transfer hijacks of the summer, beating North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the signature of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze in a deal worth £60m plus £7.5m in add-ons.
The 26-year-old England international looked set for a move to Spurs after they agreed a fee with Palace. But in a stunning late twist, Arsenal matched Tottenham’s offer at the 11th hour and secured the deal – with Eze’s boyhood loyalty playing a key role.
Why Arsenal Won the Race
Eze’s transfer saga has been one of the most talked-about stories of the window. Spurs had been negotiating for weeks and looked certain to get their man. However, Arsenal waited patiently, monitoring the situation, and struck at the perfect moment.
A big factor in this deal was Eze’s lifelong connection to Arsenal. The midfielder grew up supporting the Gunners and spent time in their academy as a youngster. Once Arsenal showed concrete interest, his mind was made up.
Sources suggest that Arsenal were initially reluctant to enter a bidding war after their heavy summer spending. But an injury to Kai Havertz during the clash at Old Trafford is believed to have accelerated their decision.
The Numbers Behind the Deal
The deal is worth £60m upfront plus £7.5m in add-ons, close to the value of Eze’s release clause, which expired last Friday. Spurs fans are furious, questioning why their club didn’t activate the clause earlier to avoid this situation.
Reports indicate Spurs considered triggering the clause but were unsure about payment structure and whether Eze truly wanted the move. Ultimately, his preference for Arsenal left Tottenham powerless.
What This Means for Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has added a versatile attacker who can play as a No.10 or on the wings. Eze brings Premier League experience, creativity, and flair – qualities that fit perfectly into Arsenal’s system.
The question now: Does this make Arsenal title favourites?
Not quite, according to pundits. While Eze improves Arsenal’s squad depth and creativity, concerns remain up front with Gabriel Jesus injured and no clear backup striker. Many fans believe another forward is still needed before the window closes.
Spurs Left Frustrated – What Next?
For Tottenham, this is a crushing blow. They identified Eze as a key target to replace creativity lost after James Maddison’s injury, yet missed out at the final stage.
Some analysts believe Spurs should have acted faster and triggered the release clause before it expired. However, others argue that if Eze had his heart set on Arsenal, there was little they could do.
Attention now turns to alternatives, with names like Brahim Diaz being discussed. Spurs have just days left to find a new playmaker before the deadline.
Crystal Palace’s Position
For Palace, losing their star man is a major setback, especially after selling Michael Olise to Bayern Munich earlier in the summer. But with two years left on Eze’s contract, this may have been their best chance to cash in.
The £67.5m fee will allow Palace to reinvest, but fans are questioning the club’s ambition after their recent successes, including an FA Cup triumph and European qualification.
Final Word
Arsenal have landed a major statement signing and dealt a huge psychological blow to their North London rivals. Eze’s arrival strengthens their squad for the title race – but is it enough to topple Manchester City and Liverpool?
The next few days could be decisive as both Arsenal and Spurs look to complete their squads before the window slams shut.
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