Report: Chelsea aim to beat Arsenal to £68m Premier League star | OneFootball

Chelsea Enter Race for Eberechi Eze: Arsenal Now Face Stiff Competition

Eze Talks Intensify as Chelsea Make Their Move

Chelsea have re-entered the race for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, with CaughtOffside revealing that the Blues recently held “new talks” with the England international’s representatives. After previous interest that failed to materialise last summer, Chelsea now appear to be moving with real purpose in an attempt to land the 27-year-old attacking midfielder.

“Chelsea recently held new talks with the player’s agent and confirmed their strong interest in him,” a source told CaughtOffside. “Chelsea made it clear that, if the financial conditions are right, they will be ready to move forward with a concrete offer.”

This fresh development throws a spanner in the works for Arsenal, who had reportedly been leading the race to sign Eze. According to the same report, the Gunners were “felt to be heading towards an agreement with Palace”, but the sudden emergence of Chelsea’s renewed interest leaves the situation far from resolved.

Premier League Numbers That Demand Attention

Eze’s output in the 2023/24 season was nothing short of outstanding. He finished the campaign with 15 goals and 11 assists, remarkable figures for a player in a mid-table side. His blend of technical brilliance, directness in attack, and eye for goal make him a natural fit for a team looking to enhance their creative options.

Photo: IMAGO

For both Arsenal and Chelsea, signing Eze would not just be about adding depth. It would be a statement of intent—securing one of the Premier League’s most exciting homegrown talents just as he enters his prime.

Rodrygo Factor Could Delay Arsenal’s Final Move

One potential reason for Arsenal’s delay in pushing the deal over the line could be their lingering interest in Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes. As noted by CaughtOffside, “there are perhaps indications that Arsenal are still serious about signing Rodrygo”, and that could be causing a tactical pause before making any decisive move on Eze.

If that deal is genuinely in play, Arsenal may be weighing up where their financial muscle should be focused. That indecision could give Chelsea the opening they need.

No Clear Favourite Yet

While both clubs clearly admire Eze, “it’s not yet clear if the player has a preference between the two clubs,” which keeps all options on the table. Chelsea’s urgency could give them the edge, but Arsenal’s long-term interest might still prove decisive—especially if the Rodrygo pursuit stalls.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal fan’s perspective, this report is equal parts exciting and frustrating. On one hand, Eze represents everything Mikel Arteta’s project thrives on—technical quality, Premier League experience, and a high ceiling. His ability to glide past defenders and unlock rigid defences would bring another dimension to Arsenal’s attack, especially with Champions League football on the horizon again.

However, the mention of Rodrygo as a possible alternative muddies the waters. While Rodrygo is a glamorous target, he would demand a higher fee, a more complex negotiation with Real Madrid, and an adjustment period to the Premier League. Eze, by contrast, is proven in England and arguably more attainable.

Chelsea’s renewed interest should be viewed as a wake-up call. Arsenal have been guilty in the past of dragging their heels and losing out on priority targets. If Eze is truly someone Arteta values, now is the time to act decisively—especially when the player’s preference remains neutral.

Letting him slip to a direct rival like Chelsea, particularly when the need for attacking reinforcements is evident, could be a misstep that fans will rue.