Mercato Surprise: How did Eze convince Arsenal to sign him at the last minute?
The Athletic has revealed the exciting details surrounding England international Eberechi Eze’s transfer, revealing how he was very close to joining Tottenham before the deal suddenly changed course towards Arsenal.
Full agreement with Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur had reached a comprehensive agreement with Eze on personal terms and agreed on the details of the deal with Crystal Palace last Thursday, with the signing of the official contracts now required to complete the transfer.
Before signing, Eze made a final call to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, asking if he had a chance of joining the Gunners. Arteta informed him that the club’s board was in a meeting to discuss the implications of Kai Havertz’s injury and asked him to wait before making a final decision.
Pressure from within the England team
Eze didn’t just talk to Arteta, he also reached out to his England teammates who play for Arsenal, asking them to help convince the club. This move helped demonstrate the player’s determination, which quickly reached the London club’s management.
At the end of the meeting, Eze received the good news that his move to Arsenal was almost a done deal, fulfilling his dream of wearing the Gunners’ shirt instead of joining rivals Tottenham.
Arsenal complete signing of Eberechi Eze in £67.5m deal from Crystal Palace
- Arsenal completed the signing of 27-year-old England international Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace on Friday, just before their Premier League home game against Leeds United.
- The transfer followed Arsenal hijacking Tottenham’s prior agreement with Palace and Eze for a deal reportedly starting at £60 million plus add-ons, after Arsenal renewed interest amid squad needs.
- Eze, a former Arsenal youth player and boyhood fan, underwent his medical at London Colney that day and needed to be registered by noon to feature against newly-promoted Leeds United the following day.
- Manager Mikel Arteta expressed his enthusiasm about Eberechi joining Arsenal, highlighting him as a strong and dynamic addition who will enhance the team’s offensive capabilities.
- The signing marked Arsenal’s seventh summer addition as they aim to build on an opening 1-0 league win, while Tottenham faced frustration over losing a key target amid ongoing attacking reinforcements search.
