Arsenal are on the brink of securing one of the summer’s most significant transfers, having reached a preliminary agreement with Crystal Palace to sign Eberechi Eze.
Just days ago, it seemed almost certain that the England international would be heading to Tottenham. However, an injury to Kai Havertz has prompted the Gunners to swoop in.
Mikel Arteta’s side is set to pay close to the £68 million release clause in Eze’s contract, which expired last week. If all goes according to plan, the versatile playmaker will become Andrea Berta’s seventh signing of the summer. Eze will join Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke in bolstering Arteta’s attack, while also providing competition for Martin Odegaard.
There are many moving parts to this transfer, but fear not, Express Sport bring you all you need to know…
How did Arsenal make their move?
It’s understood that Arsenal sporting director Berta and vice-chairman Tim Lewis played crucial roles in the operation to secure Eze. Palace had been hesitant to sanction Eze’s move to Tottenham until after Thursday’s Conference League clash with Fredikstad, leaving the door ajar.
Fortunately for the Gunners, Eze has previously expressed his admiration for the club, making personal terms easy to agree upon.
When is Eze’s medical?
According to Fabrizio Romano, the 27 year old will undergo his medical at Arsenal on Friday. After playing at Selhurst Park tonight, Eze is expected to finalise the remaining details.
When will he become an Arsenal player?
It’s highly improbable that he will feature for the Gunners in Saturday’s match against Leeds (5.30pm). Eze is anticipated to play a significant role in Palace’s European match tonight before finalising his transfer to the Emirates Stadium.
Premier League regulations stipulate that new players must be registered by 12pm on the last working day prior to the match in order to participate in the following month.
This implies that Eze’s move to Arsenal must be finalised by Friday lunchtime if he is to play. His debut for Arteta’s team will likely be against Liverpool on Sunday, August 31.