Arsenal have made a dramatic late push to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, gate-crashing Tottenham Hotspur’s advanced negotiations for the England international. Spurs were close to an agreement after Eze’s release clause—understood to be around £68m—expired earlier this month, but Arsenal have now stepped in to try to seal the deal themselves.
Why Arsenal have entered the race now
- Havertz injury prompts action. Arsenal are evaluating a knee injury to Kai Havertz; while severity is still being assessed, reports indicate he could face a spell out. That uncertainty has pushed the Gunners back into the market for an attacking/creative presence—enter Eze.
- Clause expiry changes the dynamics. With Eze’s clause no longer active, Palace now control the process and can demand the price and structure they want rather than a fixed release sum—raising the bar for any buyer and inviting late hijacks.
- Gunners making a late swoop. Arsenal have re-entered talks and are attempting to hijack Spurs’ move as negotiations reach the sharp end.
Where Tottenham’s deal stood
Spurs progressed talks with Palace and the player this week and were optimistic of a deal slightly below the former clause, with the payment structure a key sticking point. Palace also want a replacement lined up before green-lighting a sale—names linked include Bilal El Khannouss and Christos Tzolis.
The money: likely fee and structure
Because the clause has lapsed, any agreement now hinges on negotiations. Current reporting points to a fee in the mid-£50m to £60m range, potentially rising with add-ons, and with Palace pushing for significant up-front cash to fund their incoming business.
What Eze would give Arsenal
- Premier League-proven creativity and ball-carrying. Eze, 27, is a right-footed attacking midfielder/left-sider with elite ball progression and press resistance, and he’s in the England setup.
- End product. Eze was central to Palace’s attack last season and remains one of the league’s best at carrying the ball through the thirds.
- Tactical fit. In Mikel Arteta’s system he can rotate as a left-8/10 or off the left wing—precisely the zones Havertz and Martinelli typically occupy—offering cover and a different dribbling profile.
Palace’s stance
Manager Oliver Glasner has publicly confirmed the release clause has expired and framed Eze’s future as a club decision, reinforcing that Palace will only sell on their terms and likely after arranging a replacement.
The state of play today (20 August 2025)
- Spurs: had been pushing to close, confident after the clause expiry lowered the ceiling on price compared with a straight trigger.
- Arsenal: have re-engaged and are trying to gazump Spurs at the final hurdle amid Havertz’s knee issue.
- Palace: holding firm on structure and timing, with replacement targets identified.
Until signatures are on contracts, this remains a two-horse race with momentum shifting by the hour.
Facts:
- Eberechi Eze release clause: Expired in August 2025; previously reported around £68m.
- Arsenal interest: Renewed in late August after Havertz knee injury assessment began.
- Tottenham status: Advanced talks, fee expected below clause, payment schedule key.
- Palace stance: Will consider sale on their terms and after lining up a replacement.
FAQs
Has Eze’s release clause been activated?
No. Palace manager Oliver Glasner has said the clause has expired; any sale is now at Palace’s discretion.
What fee is being discussed?
Reports suggest £55–60m plus potential add-ons, dependent on structure and timing.
Why would Arsenal sign Eze now?
Havertz’s knee injury has thinned Arsenal’s attacking options; Eze fits Arteta’s left-8/left-wing needs and brings proven creativity.
Are Tottenham out of it?
No—Spurs have done significant groundwork and remain in contention if they can agree terms with Palace.
Where Do Tottenham go from here?
