Tottenham Hotspur have reopened talks with Crystal Palace for Eberechi Eze in a move that could spark a north London transfer battle with Arsenal.
The 27-year-old attacking midfielder had a £68 million release clause, but it expired earlier this month. Palace are now free to set their own price, which is expected to be similar or higher.
Eze has two years left on his deal at Selhurst Park, and Palace anticipate interest before the transfer window closes.
Arsenal’s interest in Eze has been long-standing, with the player understood to prefer a switch to the red half of north London. The Gunners have already spoken to his representatives but have yet to submit an official bid.
Their hesitation is partly financial. Arsenal have spent close to £200 million this summer on Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Cristhian Mosquera.
Sales will be required to fund another major signing, with Reiss Nelson, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira and Albert Sambi Lokonga all available.
Tottenham, meanwhile, have invested around £126 million on Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, Kevin Danso, Luka Vuskovic, Kota Takai and Joao Palhinha.
They are also negotiating with Manchester City for Brazilian winger Savinho, but Eze is now a priority following James Maddison’s ACL injury and Son Heung-min’s departure to LAFC.
Palace chairman Steve Parish recently addressed the futures of Eze and Marc Guehi, another Spurs target. He admitted he would like to keep them but accepted that ‘players come and go’ in football.
Eze was a standout performer last season, scoring 14 goals and providing 12 assists in 43 appearances. He also played a key role in Palace’s Community Shield victory over Liverpool on Sunday, despite missing a penalty in the shootout.
The England international’s form has attracted attention beyond north London. Bayern Munich have also considered him as a replacement for Jamal Musiala, who is sidelined with injury.
Palace’s willingness to negotiate could hinge on whether they sell Guehi first. Losing both players in the same window would be a significant blow, and they may raise Eze’s price to deter multiple departures.
Arsenal will need to move quickly if they want to secure Eze ahead of Spurs. The transfer window closes on 1 September, and any delay risks giving their rivals the upper hand.
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