Eberechi Eze Set to Join Arsenal After Last-Minute Transfer Twist

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed that Eberechi Eze will not play for the club again. The attacking midfielder is set to complete his move to Arsenal in the next 24 hours.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Arsenal quickly secured a £67.5 million deal for Eze. They agreed to pay Crystal Palace £60 million upfront plus £7.5 million in add-ons, as confirmed by reports from our reports. This happened after an injury to Kai Havertz forced them to act. The transfer comes after Tottenham Hotspur almost signed Eze. However, Arsenal hijacked the deal late in the window. Eze started the Premier League campaign with Palace and played in their recent draw at Chelsea. But he was withdrawn from Thursday’s Europa Conference League play-off after telling Glasner he was not able to play. Palace manager Glasner said: “I wish Eberechi Eze all the best. He won’t play for us anymore.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

This move ends Eze’s impressive stint at Palace. He stood out last season with 12 goals and 5 assists in 31 Premier League matches, highlighting his crucial role in Palace finishing 13th last season. They began this campaign with a hard-fought 0-0 draw at Chelsea after winning the Community Shield against Liverpool. Eze’s transfer reunites him with the club he supported as a boy, having briefly played for them at youth level. Arsenal, last season’s Premier League runners-up, are battling at the top again this year, seeing Eze as a potential difference-maker, especially after Kai Havertz’s injury left the squad short in attack.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ARSENAL AND PALACE?

Eze is expected to complete his Arsenal medical on Friday, as confirmed by our reports. He will be unavailable for Palace’s next match against Nottingham Forest. The Eagles now have to plan for life without their star player. Palace, sitting mid-table after their opening game, need to fill the creative void. They are preparing for the Conference League play-off second leg against Fredrikstad and the upcoming Premier League fixture. Arsenal, currently third in the league, face leeds United next. They are level on points with every team that won its opener. The Gunners hope Eze’s arrival gives them an extra boost as they chase their first league title since 2004.