In a dramatic twist that has reignited the fierce rivalry between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, the Gunners have successfully hijacked Spurs’ near-complete deal for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze. The £67.5 million transfer saga has unfolded like a blockbuster thriller, with Arsenal swooping in at the eleventh hour to snatch the England international from under their rivals’ noses—just as personal terms were being finalized with Tottenham.

This move isn’t just about strengthening Mikel Arteta’s squad. It’s a statement of intent, a psychological blow to Spurs, and a reminder that in North London, the power dynamics are shifting once again.

The Hijack: How Arsenal Outmaneuvered Spurs

Tottenham had been deep in negotiations with Crystal Palace for over ten days, reportedly agreeing to a £55 million deal plus add-ons. Eze himself was said to be keen on the move, with personal terms nearly finalized. But Palace, intent on fielding Eze in their Europa Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad, delayed the final paperwork—creating a narrow window of opportunity.

Arsenal, dealing with a sudden injury to Kai Havertz, reignited their interest in Eze and moved swiftly. Within hours, they matched Palace’s financial demands with a £60 million base fee plus £7.5 million in add-ons. Sporting director Andrea Berta led the charge, and by Wednesday evening, Arsenal had reached an agreement in principle with both Palace and Eze.

The timing was ruthless. Spurs were blindsided, and their fans left reeling. What was once a done deal became a bitter defeat.

Why Arsenal Wanted Eze

The injury to Kai Havertz was the catalyst, but Arsenal’s interest in Eze wasn’t new. The club had explored a deal earlier in the summer but paused negotiations while focusing on outgoings and other positions. With Havertz now sidelined and Gabriel Jesus still recovering, Arsenal needed a versatile attacker who could slot into multiple roles.

Eze fits the bill perfectly. At 27, he’s entering his prime and brings creativity, flair, and composure in the final third. His ability to operate as a No. 10, a left winger, or even deeper in midfield gives Arteta tactical flexibility. With Martin Ødegaard, Leandro Trossard, and Bukayo Saka already in the mix, Eze adds depth and dynamism to an already potent attack.

Moreover, Eze is a boyhood Arsenal fan and spent time in their youth academy before being released at 13. His emotional connection to the club reportedly played a key role in his decision to choose Arsenal over Spurs.

Spurs Left Red-Faced

For Tottenham, the failed transfer is a bitter pill to swallow. Manager Thomas Frank had earmarked Eze as a key replacement for the injured James Maddison, and the club had invested significant time and resources into the deal. Even a potential swap involving Richarlison was discussed to facilitate the move.

But Arsenal’s late intervention not only disrupted Spurs’ plans—it exposed vulnerabilities in their negotiation strategy. Palace’s insistence on Eze playing in their European fixture gave Arsenal just enough time to act, and Spurs were left scrambling.

This marks the second high-profile transfer setback for Tottenham this summer, following their failed pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White. While they’ve secured signings like Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha, missing out on Eze stings deeply—especially given the rivalry.

Fan Reactions: Jubilation and Fury

Arsenal fans have embraced the hijack with glee. A mural of Eze in an Arsenal kit was painted near the Emirates overnight, even before the deal was officially signed. Social media erupted with memes, chants, and celebratory posts, framing the move as a symbolic victory over their North London rivals.

Tottenham supporters, meanwhile, are furious. Many feel the club should have acted faster or offered more decisive terms. The sense of betrayal is compounded by the fact that Eze was seemingly ready to join Spurs before Arsenal’s intervention.

The emotional fallout is palpable—and it’s likely to fuel even more intensity when the two sides meet on the pitch this season.

Tactical Implications for Arsenal

With Viktor Gyökeres and Noni Madueke already added to the squad, Arsenal’s attack is looking formidable. Eze’s arrival could mean a shift in formation or rotation, especially if Havertz’s injury proves long-term.

Arteta now has the luxury of deploying Eze in multiple roles:

• As a left-sided attacker, rotating with Martinelli and Trossard
• As a central playmaker, offering relief to Ødegaard
• As a deeper midfielder in a 4-3-3, adding creativity from midfield

This versatility could be crucial in Arsenal’s push for the Premier League title and their Champions League campaign. With depth across the front line, Arteta can manage fatigue, injuries, and tactical shifts more effectively.

Concerns and Criticism

Not everyone is convinced the move is wise. Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf questioned the logic of spending £68 million on a player when Arsenal already have depth in similar positions. He warned that adding another creative player could disrupt squad harmony and create selection headaches for Arteta.

“There’s a balance to maintain,” Leboeuf said. “You have Martinelli, Trossard, Madueke—do you really need Eze? It’s a big amount of money just to upset your biggest enemies.”

While the criticism is valid, Arsenal’s decision appears rooted in both necessity and opportunity. Havertz’s injury, Eze’s availability, and the chance to strike a psychological blow to Spurs made the move irresistible.

What’s Next?

Eze is expected to undergo his medical on Friday, with official confirmation likely before the weekend. He will still feature in Palace’s European fixture, but under UEFA rules, he remains eligible to play for Arsenal in the Champions League group stage.

The Gunners may now look to offload fringe players to balance the books. While Trossard recently signed a new deal, others like Emile Smith Rowe or Reiss Nelson could be candidates for loan or sale.

Tottenham, meanwhile, will pivot to alternative targets. With Richarlison still in the squad and Maddison out, they may revisit interest in Yoane Wissa or explore new midfield options.

Final Thoughts

Arsenal’s hijacking of the Eze deal is more than a transfer—it’s a power play. It signals ambition, ruthlessness, and a willingness to act decisively when opportunity knocks. For Spurs, it’s a lesson in timing and execution.

As the Premier League season unfolds, this saga will be remembered not just for the player involved, but for the drama, emotion, and rivalry it reignited. And if Eze shines in red and white, it could become one of the defining moments of Arsenal’s campaign.