Arsenal snatch Eze from Spurs in shocking transfer move: A sensational fee

Arsenal has reached a stunning £67.5 million agreement to sign Eberechi Eze, effectively hijacking a deal that their North London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, believed was done. The Gunners will pay an initial £60 million to Crystal Palace, with an additional £7.5 million in add-ons. Personal terms are now reportedly close to being finalized, with a medical for the 27-year-old forward expected as soon as Friday.

Eze’s release clause, which was set at £60 million plus £8 million in add-ons, had expired before the start of the Premier League season. Despite the pending move, Sky Sports News understands that Eze is still expected to be in Crystal Palace's squad for their Conference League game on Thursday as he wants to say a proper goodbye to the fans.

Tottenham Hotspur was left reeling after believing they had secured an agreement with both Palace and Eze on Wednesday. However, a late and dramatic intervention from Arsenal, which came after an injury to Kai Havertz, saw their North London rivals swoop in and seal the deal.

How the transfer battle unfolded

Arsenal's interest in Eze is not new. The forward was once part of their academy and has publicly stated he grew up as a supporter of the club. They explored a potential deal earlier in the transfer window but chose to prioritize other positions and contract renewals.

Tottenham then made their move for Eze after their primary target, Morgan Gibbs-White, signed a new contract with Nottingham Forest, and their midfield was hit by a long-term ACL injury to James Maddison. Spurs even considered offering striker Richarlison as part of a deal to secure Eze's services.

Talks between Tottenham and Palace were held, and Spurs felt a verbal agreement was in place on Wednesday. However, in a major twist, Arsenal re-entered the picture later that evening and hijacked the deal.

Analysis: What Eze brings to Arsenal

According to Sky Sports Peter Smith, Eberechi Eze is an "electric" player with the poise, swagger, and craft to unlock opposition defenses. He also has a penchant for scoring spectacular goals himself. Eze finished last season as one of the Premier League's most exciting prospects, scoring in six consecutive games, including both the FA Cup semi-final and final as he helped inspire Crystal Palace to their first major honor.

This signing gives Arsenal a completely different dimension in attack. Eze's livewire, maverick style is what Arsenal will hope can break down deep-lying defenses and inject a new spark into their at times predictable attacking patterns. He offers something different from the likes of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, and his arrival will likely excite striker Viktor Gyokeres, who will relish latching onto the kind of passes Eze has become known for.

For Eze, this move is a chance to come full circle. After being released by Arsenal's academy at the age of 13, he now has a second chance to make an impact in North London. In the prime of his career, he looks set to do just that and make a big impact for Mikel Arteta's squad.

In a further boost for Arsenal, current UEFA regulations will allow Eze to represent his new club in the Champions League, even if he plays for Crystal Palace in their Conference League qualifier on Thursday. Players who appear in a qualifying round can still represent a different side in the league phase of another European competition, meaning Eze will be free to join Arsenal on their European journey.