Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Crystal Palace to sign Eberechi Eze in a deal worth £60m.
The 27-year-old forward is expected to complete a move to the Emirates before the close of the transfer window.
Tottenham Hotspur had been in talks with Palace for over a week and believed they were close to signing Eze.
However, sources indicate the player has made clear his preference to join Arsenal, where he began his youth career. Spurs have since shifted their focus to other attacking targets.
Eze’s release clause, valued at £60m plus £8m in add-ons, expired before the start of the season, but Arsenal and Palace have now agreed on a straight £60m fee.
With Kai Havertz sidelined by a knee injury, Mikel Arteta is keen to add Eze as an attacking reinforcement.
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner confirmed on Wednesday that Eze remains committed for now and is set to feature in Thursday’s UEFA Conference League qualifier against Fredrikstad, alongside Liverpool-linked defender Marc Guehi. But multiple sources have told BBC Sport that Eze is determined to join Arsenal before the September 1 deadline.
Eze was instrumental for Palace last season, scoring 14 goals across all competitions, including the winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Since joining Palace from Queens Park Rangers for £19.5m in 2020, he has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most creative and versatile forwards.
His current deal runs until 2027, but Arsenal are now set to make him their marquee summer signing.
