Arsenal hijack Spurs' move for Palace star Eze

The deal worth around £68 million matches the value of the England star's expired release clause

Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement with Crystal Palace to sign midfielder Eberechi Eze, hijacking a potential move from bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur and bolstering their squad following an injury to Kai Havertz.

The deal for around £68 million matches the value of the attacking midfielder’s expired release clause, with personal terms already agreed between the player and the North London club, The Athletic reports.

The 27-year-old is set to feature for Palace in their Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad on Thursday before undergoing a medical with Arsenal on Friday.

Eze's arrival will mark Arsenal's seventh signing of the ongoing summer window. The Gunners have added depth to a squad that struggled to cope with injuries and suspensions last season with the additions of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, defender Cristhian Mosquera, midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, winger Noni Madueke, and striker Viktor Gyokeres.

The England international’s move comes after Havertz sustained a knee injury, potentially sidelining him for months.

A boyhood Arsenal supporter who once played in the club's academy, Eze joined Palace from Queens Park Rangers in 2020 for about £17 million and made 169 appearances for the South London side, scoring 40 goals.