David Ornstein: Arsenal close in on agreement for £68m Premier League star | OneFootball

Arsenal Close In On Eberechi Eze Transfer

Arsenal have moved decisively in the transfer market, with David Ornstein of The Athletic reporting that the club have reached an agreement in principle to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace. The deal is valued in the region of the expired £68 million release clause and matches the level Tottenham Hotspur were prepared to pay.

Major Summer Rebuild Underway

It has been a transformative first window under new sporting director Andrea Berta. With Eze lined up as the seventh arrival, the Gunners have reshaped almost every department of the squad. Berta, alongside vice-chairman Tim Lewis, is understood to have driven negotiations for the 27-year-old attacking midfielder.

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So far, Arsenal have added Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres. The addition of Eze, who has long been admired for his creativity and ability to carry the ball through midfield, further strengthens Mikel Arteta’s attacking options.

Eze’s Journey to the Emirates

Ornstein reports that Eze is expected to feature for Palace in their Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad before undergoing a medical in north London. His signing would complete a remarkable journey for a player who once came through Arsenal’s academy.

Eze joined Palace from QPR in 2020 for £17 million and has since developed into one of the Premier League’s most consistent attacking threats. With 169 appearances and 40 goals for the Eagles, he has also won 12 England caps.

Significantly, he has been a boyhood Arsenal supporter, which adds an emotional element to this move. As Ornstein highlighted, the transfer comes at a time when Kai Havertz is being assessed for injury, potentially leaving Arsenal short in the final third.

What Eze Brings to Arsenal

Eze offers versatility across attacking roles, able to play centrally or off the flanks. His ability to glide past opponents, unlock defences and chip in with goals makes him a valuable addition to Arsenal’s evolving squad.

With Tottenham prepared to pay a similar fee, Arsenal’s success in closing the deal reflects their pulling power and the strategic clarity of their summer rebuild. For Arteta, Eze represents not only depth but also a player who can elevate the team’s creativity in the tightest contests.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal fan’s perspective, this move feels like the signing that cements a serious statement of intent. Eze has the flair and directness that supporters have craved, and the fact he grew up supporting Arsenal only strengthens the connection. Many fans will see this as a homecoming of sorts, one that was delayed by circumstance but now arrives at exactly the right moment.

The price tag of around £68 million may raise eyebrows, yet in today’s market it feels proportionate for a player entering his peak years and already proven in the Premier League. Compared to other recent transfers at this level, Eze represents value because he is ready-made for the system Arteta employs, and he adds qualities that Arsenal’s midfield has sometimes lacked.

There is also the rivalry aspect. To secure a player Tottenham were chasing adds another layer of satisfaction for supporters who will relish reminding their neighbours of it throughout the season. Beyond the banter, though, Eze’s arrival ensures Arsenal can better rotate across competitions, an area where depth has sometimes been exposed.

Ultimately, this feels like the kind of signing that bridges ambition with identity. Eze is talented, Premier League proven, emotionally tied to the club, and part of a recruitment strategy that suggests Arsenal are determined to push for the very top.