Eberechi Eze Outshines Two Rivals in Race for Blockbuster Arsenal Move
Arsenal have officially finalized the £67.5 million ($91.3 million) acquisition of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, though it has now emerged which two alternative players the Gunners had prepared to pursue if they couldn't secure the England midfielder.
Arsenal dramatically intercepted Tottenham Hotspur's pursuit of Eze, delivering a crushing setback to their north London rivals while significantly strengthening their offensive capabilities before September's transfer window closes. The adaptable attacking midfielder joins Viktor Gyökeres and Noni Madueke as forward reinforcements at the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Eze delivered his finest campaign in Palace colors during 2024–25, helping steer the club to FA Cup glory by netting the decisive goal in the final against Manchester City. He registered 14 goals and 12 assists throughout the season for the Eagles, earning recognition as one of the Premier League's premier playmakers.
The Athletic has disclosed that Arsenal initially evaluated Eze during concerns surrounding Ethan Nwaneri's contract extension, and although the 18-year-old ultimately signed fresh terms, the Gunners proceeded with their pursuit of the 27-year-old anyway.
Nevertheless, they also indicate that Arsenal were evaluating alternative options, specifically Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White and Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers. Both English players delivered impressive campaigns in 2024–25, with the former previously linked to a failed move to Tottenham earlier this summer. It was Eze "who generated the strongest interest" for the Gunners, however.
Eze, who departed Arsenal's academy system as a youngster, should offer instant reinforcement following Kai Havertz's recent knee setback, and he may debut for the Gunners in their upcoming Premier League fixture against champions Liverpool next weekend.
He was presented to Arsenal fans before their match against Leeds United on Saturday and will inherit the No.10 jersey at the Emirates Stadium—previously donned by legends including Mesut Özil and Dennis Bergkamp.