Eberechi Eze makes decision that will send shockwaves as Arsenal make late swoop after Tottenham agree deal

Arsenal are set to hijack Tottenham’s £60million move for Eberechi Eze, talkSPORT understands.

The Gunners have made a late swoop for Eze, after north London rivals Spurs had been closing in on securing a deal to sign him.

Spurs have been on the verge of completing a deal to sign the Crystal Palace star in a deal worth around £60m.

But Arsenal accelerated their negotiations on Wednesday, with Palace delaying, and personal terms have now already been agreed.

It’s understood that boyhood Gunners fan Eze, who also played in the club’s academy, is willing to go back on his agreement with Spurs in order to seal a switch to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal stepped up their interest after Kai Havertz suffered a knee injury that is expected to rule him out for several weeks.

They held talks with the 27-year-old earlier in the summer window, and they have now returned, with things moving quickly.

Just like Spurs, they are willing to meet the conditions set by Palace, as Eze nears a late change in destination.

Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are understood to have met with the England international in early July.

They pitched the Arsenal project before Spurs came in with their bid for him, which was close to being completed.

Eze was sold on joining the Gunners over a month ago, but no formal offer came in from the club.

However, they’re back in and Eze is now waiting for a deal to be agreed, with the previous talks crucial to the move.

Why have Arsenal bid for Eze now?

As mentioned, Arsenal have made their late approach to sign Eze after Havertz picked up an injury.

Havertz, who came off the bench in their season opener against Manchester United, is said to have suffered a knee injury.

The severity of the German’s knock is unknown as things stand, but it is expected to sideline him for a few weeks.

He was absent from the Gunners’ training session on Wednesday.

Arteta now moving for Eze is an indication that Havertz is set for a significant spell out, as the manager looks for more attacking options to cover for him.

Viktor Gyokeres is now the only fit striker in the squad, leaving Leandro Trossard potentially having to fill the void.

It means the Gunners could also put Mikel Merino up front, with that opening gaps that Eze could be set to fill.

Eze can play in midfield or out wide on the left, which could suit Arsenal and their often fluid approach with positions.

Noni Madueke still has to win over fans at the Emirates, while Gabriel Martinelli has come under criticism too.

So, Eze may be a perfect option to upgrade on the left flank.

That’s if he doesn’t cover in midfield along with Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and new summer arrival Martin Zubimendi.

Last season, Eze netted eight goals and provided eight assists in the Premier League, playing inside off the left wing.

Eze to play in Europe

Earlier on Wednesday, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed that Eze will start their opening European clash.

Palace take on Fredrikstad FK on Thursday in what is the club’s first match in their Conference League campaign.

Glasner said at his press conference: “The player gives 100 per cent because he is under contract. We don’t have to say thank you every day, he is getting a few pounds every week.

“Many of you were surprised he and Marc [Guehi] started against Chelsea, you may be surprised they start tomorrow, but they are committed to the team.

“They will play a crucial part for as long as they are here they are committed to the team. If they leave, they want to leave as the guys who gave 100 per cent to Crystal Palace.”

But could this stance now change after Arsenal made their late hijack on Eze’s move to Tottenham?