Arsenal Stun Tottenham with Last-Minute £60m Eze Capture

Gunners hijack London rivals' deal in bold statement of title ambitions as injury fears prompt swift action.

By Chris Posiano

August 21, 2025 at 4:29 AM

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Arsenal have delivered a seismic blow to local rivals Tottenham Hotspur by hijacking their move for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze in a £60m deal, signaling their determination to end a four-year trophy drought.

Spurs appeared poised to finalize the England international's transfer on Wednesday, with negotiations reportedly involving a player-exchange option including Richarlison. However, Arsenal pivoted decisively after assessing a knee injury to forward Kai Havertz, opting against temporary fixes to execute a dramatic late raid.

The 27-year-old Eze – whose FA Cup final winner against Manchester City capped a stellar 14-goal season – now looks set to reunite with his boyhood club after 13 years away. The playmaker had been released by Arsenal's academy aged 13 before rebuilding his career through spells at QPR and Palace.

This bold move underscores Arsenal's revamped transfer strategy following last season's shortcomings. Manager Mikel Arteta has been backed with significant investments, including £64m striker Viktor Gyokeres and Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi, addressing deficiencies that previously undermined their title charge.

For Tottenham, the collapse represents a crushing setback after earlier missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White. Chairman Daniel Levy faces scrutiny as Arsenal capitalize on their rivals' hesitation, leveraging the player's emotional connection to the Emirates Stadium.

Eze's arrival injects versatility and big-game pedigree into Arsenal's frontline, with the forward having directly contributed to 21 goals across all competitions last term. His childhood affinity for the club adds symbolic weight to the transfer, with sources confirming the player's eagerness to embrace this second chance after his tearful exit as a teenager.

As both clubs prepare for pivotal seasons, Arsenal's aggressive market approach suggests they're prioritizing silverware over fiscal caution. With Champions League ambitions reignited and Premier League aspirations renewed, the Gunners' latest coup could prove transformative in north London's power balance.