Romano's report comes just a day after English media suggested Arsenal had abandoned their pursuit of Eze, who was reportedly set to join Tottenham.
Arsenal's offer matches Tottenham's previous bid for the Crystal Palace player. However, Arsenal will pay the entire fee upfront, unlike Tottenham's proposed installment plan. The Gunners will also pay an additional 10 million USD in performance-based add-ons.
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Eze won the English Super Cup in mid-August at Wembley Stadium, after Crystal Palace defeated Liverpool. Photo: Reuters |
Eze won the English Super Cup in mid-August at Wembley Stadium, after Crystal Palace defeated Liverpool. Photo: Reuters
This transfer is considered surprising, as Arsenal had ceased negotiations with Eze after signing striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon. Their swift change of heart follows a knee injury that is expected to sideline Havertz for an extended period, creating a squad crisis for Arsenal early in the season. This is the same injury that kept the German star out for the latter half of last season.
Eze, capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or on either wing, has been the heart of Crystal Palace's play for the past two seasons. Like Havertz, he demonstrates agility and close control, combined with impressive long-passing and shooting abilities. He was called up to the England squad for Euro 2024 and made three appearances in the tournament in Germany.
Last season, Eze scored 11 goals and provided 8 assists in the Premier League. The 27-year-old also scored the only goal in the FA Cup final, leading Crystal Palace to victory over Man City and their first major trophy. He also helped the London club defeat Liverpool to win the English Super Cup in mid-August.
In the opening round of this season's Premier League, Eze's free-kick goal against Chelsea in a 0-0 draw was disallowed due to a rare technicality.
Eze was part of Arsenal's academy in his youth. According to the Guardian, he is "eager to join his boyhood club" rather than Tottenham. Eze is expected to make one more appearance for Crystal Palace in the first leg of the Conference League against Fredrikstad (Norway) on 21/8.
He will then travel to the Emirates for a medical examination, becoming Arsenal's seventh signing of the summer transfer window. Arsenal has already acquired Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, and Cristhian Mosquera.
Vy Anh
