Arsenal steal Eberechi Eze from Tottenham in £67.5m shock move
- Nov, 24 2025
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- Kendrick Fairway
On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Arsenal pulled off one of the most audacious late transfers in Premier League history, snatching Eberechi Eze from under Tottenham Hotspur’s nose with a £67.5 million deal with Crystal Palace. The twist? Tottenham had already agreed personal terms with Eze and thought they’d sealed the deal—until Arsenal, with nerves frayed over Kai Havertz’s knee injury, swooped in with faster cash and cleaner terms. By the time Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner told reporters Eze was "unwell" ahead of their Europa Conference League match against Fredrikstad Fotballklubb, the truth was already out: the 27-year-old England international was heading to North London.
The Last-Minute Heist
It wasn’t just a case of better money—it was better timing. Tottenham, headquartered in North London, had spent days negotiating with Crystal Palace, a club based at Selhurst Park in South London. They’d lined up Eze’s contract, even drafted press releases. But Arsenal, under manager Mikel Arteta, were watching closely. When Havertz’s MRI showed a lingering meniscus issue that could sideline him for six to eight weeks, Arteta’s team pivoted. The solution? A player who could play both as a winger and a number 10—exactly the creative spark Arsenal lacked after losing Martin Ødegaard to injury earlier in the month.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal’s offer wasn’t just higher—it was structurally smarter. While Tottenham’s £67.5 million included complex add-ons tied to appearances and international caps, Arsenal offered a £60 million base fee with £7.5 million in easier-to-reach bonuses: goals, assists, and top-four finishes. Crucially, they agreed to pay 70% upfront, not 30% as Tottenham had proposed. Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish, known for his blunt pragmatism, reportedly told Glasner: "If they’re paying now, we’re selling."
Crystal Palace’s Bitter Pill
For Crystal Palace, the transfer was a financial windfall—but a personal gut punch. Eze, who joined from Queens Park Rangers in 2020 for £16.5 million, had become the heartbeat of their attack. Over 143 appearances, he’d scored 28 goals and provided 26 assists. He was the only Palace player to start every Premier League match in the 2023-24 season. Fans at Selhurst Park had started chanting his name during the final home game of last season.
When Eze was withdrawn from the squad for their Thursday, November 21, 2024, Europa Conference League clash against Fredrikstad Fotballklubb at Fredrikstad Stadion, Glasner’s excuse—that Eze felt "unwell"—was met with skepticism. After Palace won 1-0, Glasner didn’t mince words: "Looks like wishing him all the best for his new club." He later added, "I don’t think he’ll wear this shirt again. And I’m not angry. I’m just… surprised."
Arsenal’s Spending Spree Reaches £265 Million
This deal marks Arsenal’s seventh major signing of the 2024 summer window, bringing their total outlay to approximately £265 million. They’ve already brought in Declan Rice (£105m), Kai Havertz (£65m), Jurrien Timber (£50m), David Raya (£30m), Jorginho (£12m), and Marquinhos (£3m). Eze’s arrival doesn’t just fill a gap—it reshapes Arsenal’s identity. He’s not just a replacement for Havertz. He’s the player who can turn a 1-0 win into a 3-0 rout.
What’s striking is how Arsenal managed this without breaking the bank. After selling Gabriel Martinelli (rumored to be headed to Inter Milan) and offloading fringe players like Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu, they freed up over £80 million. That cash, combined with the faster payment terms, made the difference.
What This Means for Tottenham
Tottenham’s loss is a strategic nightmare. They’d targeted Eze as the perfect foil for James Maddison and Bryan Gil—a dribbler who could unlock defenses in the final third. Now, they’re left scrambling. With Son Heung-min aging and Richarlison inconsistent, their attack looks thin. Sources say Tottenham’s board is now eyeing Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa as a stopgap, but he’s a defensive midfielder—not a creative force.
And the timing? Awful. Tottenham’s next three Premier League fixtures are against Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea. Without Eze, they’ll be playing with a one-man playmaker in Maddison. It’s a recipe for frustration.
What’s Next?
The transfer is expected to be formally completed before the August 30, 2024, deadline, making Eze eligible for Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Fulham Football Club on September 1 at Emirates Stadium. He’ll wear the number 10 shirt, previously worn by Mesut Özil and now vacant since Martin Ødegaard switched to 8.
For Arsenal, the question isn’t whether Eze can score—it’s whether he can carry the weight of a title challenge. He’s not a superstar like Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappé. But in the Premier League, you don’t always need those names. You need players who make the impossible look easy. And Eze? He does that every week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Arsenal wait until the last minute to sign Eze?
Arsenal delayed pursuing Eze because they were focused on offloading players and stabilizing their squad after spending £200 million in the summer window. They also had concerns about Ethan Nwaneri’s new contract and didn’t want to disrupt youth development. Only after Havertz’s injury surfaced did they prioritize Eze as a direct replacement.
How does this affect Crystal Palace’s season?
Losing Eze, their top creative player, is a massive blow. They’ll rely on Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise to carry the attack, but neither has Eze’s consistency. Palace finished seventh last season and qualified for Europe—but without him, a top-half finish now looks unlikely. The £67.5 million windfall helps, but replacing his influence on the pitch is near impossible.
What’s the significance of the £60 million base fee?
The £60 million base fee was key because it gave Crystal Palace immediate financial certainty. Tottenham’s offer tied more money to performance bonuses that were harder to reach. Arsenal’s faster payment structure—70% upfront—was especially appealing to Palace, who needed cash flow to fund their Europa Conference League campaign and cover wage increases for other squad members.
Is Eberechi Eze the solution to Arsenal’s creativity problem?
Absolutely. Arsenal’s midfield lacked a player who could take on defenders and create chances from tight spaces. Eze’s dribbling rate (4.2 successful dribbles per game last season) and assist-to-shot ratio (1:4.7) are among the best in the Premier League. He doesn’t need space—he creates it. That’s exactly what Arteta needs to unlock their attack.
Could Tottenham have prevented this transfer?
Yes—if they’d moved faster. Tottenham spent weeks negotiating, while Arsenal acted decisively after Havertz’s injury. They also underestimated how much Eze admired Arsenal’s style of play and his connection with Arteta, who coached him briefly at the England U21 level. Personal terms weren’t enough; the structure and speed of Arsenal’s offer sealed it.
What does this mean for the North London derby?
It adds a new layer of drama. Eze will face his former club at White Hart Lane in January 2025. Expect fireworks. He’s spoken openly about wanting to "prove something" against Spurs. And with Arsenal pushing for the title, this isn’t just a rivalry game—it’s a statement match. The crowd will be split, the tension electric.