Eberechi Eze Set to Join Arsenal as Europa Play-Off Absence Sparks Transfer Frenzy

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze was left out of the squad for their Europa Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad on Thursday night, fueling growing certainty that his move to Arsenal is now imminent.

Manager Oliver Glasner confirmed Eze’s absence, with reports indicating that the Gunners are close to finalising a deal worth £60 million plus £7.5 million in add-ons, effectively hijacking Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of the midfielder.

The 27-year-old, who came through Hale Academy before being released at just 13, has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s most dazzling creative players. Arsenal are now working to conclude the deal in time for him to be part of Mikel Arteta’s squad against Leeds on Saturday.

Opinion

If there’s one thing Arsenal have lacked in their pursuit of Premier League glory, it’s a game-changer between the lines—and Eze fits that bill perfectly. His ability to glide past opponents, link midfield with attack, and pop up with goals makes him not just another signing, but potentially the missing piece in Arteta’s tactical puzzle.

The transfer also carries symbolic weight. Beating Tottenham to Eze’s signature is more than just smart recruitment—it’s a statement of intent. It shows Arsenal are not just building for the future but are ready to go toe-to-toe with Liverpool and Manchester City in this season’s title race.

For Palace, losing Eze will sting, but his rise from rejection at 13 to becoming a £60m star is a story of resilience that will inspire many young players. For Arsenal, though, it could be the deal that turns “title challengers” into title winners.