Football Transfer | The impact of Arsenal signing Eberechi Eze

Eberechi Eze is moving to North London...

However, he'll be playing at the Emirates rather than the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Author | Greg S

2025 FA Cup final 

Arsenal’s dramatic move to prise Eberechi Eze away from Tottenham Hotspur is a ruthless statement of intent, designed to underline their determination to turn ambition into silverware this season.

Spurs believed they were on the brink of securing the Crystal Palace and England forward on Wednesday, with negotiations close to completion. But news soon emerged that Arsenal were weighing up the severity of a knee injury to Kai Havertz, a setback that could deplete Mikel Arteta’s attacking options after last season’s costly shortcomings.

READ MORE | Arsenal news and stories

READ MORE | The latest from Tottenham Hotspur 

READ MORE | Premier League news and stories from European Super Football 

Rather than settle for a temporary fix in the loan market, Arsenal acted decisively, sanctioning a £60m deal that delivered a stunning coup at their rivals’ expense. It is not merely a psychological blow across north London but a signal that the Gunners intend to mount a serious Premier League title challenge and make another deep run in the Champions League after last year’s semi-final appearance.

The contrast with last season could not be sharper. Then, Arsenal’s inertia in addressing the lack of a natural striker proved damaging, and ultimately contributed to a fifth successive year without a trophy. This time they have responded with urgency.

Spurs had even explored the prospect of a cash-plus-Richarlison arrangement to get Eze over the line, but Arsenal moved with pace once Havertz’s injury raised fresh concerns. Their long-standing interest in Eze had appeared to cool after Ethan Nwaneri committed to a five-year deal and Chelsea’s Noni Madueke arrived for £48.5m. Yet Havertz’s absence forced a rethink, and the result has left Tottenham stunned.