Gary Lineker ‘Gutted’ as Arsenal Hijack Tottenham’s £67.5m Move for Eberechi Eze

Former Barcelona and Tottenham striker, Gary Lineker, has expressed his disappointment after Arsenal swooped in to hijack Spurs’ record-breaking £67.5m deal for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

Eze had looked destined for a move to Tottenham after the club reportedly concluded terms with Crystal Palace. However, Arsenal re-entered the race on Wednesday evening following Kai Havertz’s injury setback and dramatically turned the tide in their favour.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who grew up an Arsenal fan and previously spent time in their academy, ultimately found the decision straightforward—choosing to fulfil a boyhood dream by moving to the Emirates under Mikel Arteta.

Lineker, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, didn’t hide his disappointment:

“Bit of a disaster really for Spurs to lose out. They thought they had their man, but Arsenal have jumped in at the last moment. Significant coup for them. For Spurs fans, it will be hugely disappointing. Hugely talented player, brilliant signing for Arsenal. As a former Spurs man, bit gutted to be perfectly honest.”

Opinion

This transfer is more than just a signing; it’s a statement of intent from Arsenal. Snatching a player from the grasp of their fiercest North London rivals adds an extra layer of drama to an already heated rivalry. For Tottenham, the heartbreak will sting—especially after they believed they had pulled off a record-breaking coup.

For Arsenal fans, though, this feels like a homecoming story. Eze isn’t just another big-money arrival—he’s a lifelong supporter who once walked the corridors of their academy. His flair, creativity, and ability to unlock defences could make him the perfect antidote to Havertz’s absence, while also providing Arteta with the depth required for another title push.

As for Spurs, the episode is a brutal reminder of the thin margins in modern football. Deals aren’t done until pen meets paper, and in this case, Arsenal proved more ruthless, more decisive, and ultimately more appealing to the player’s heart.

One thing is certain: when the next North London Derby comes around, the presence of Eberechi Eze in red will make the clash even more charged—with Lineker and Spurs fans watching on with a tinge of regret.