Eze to Arsenal latest: Gunners agree '£60m' transfer to stun Tottenham in race for Crystal Palace star

Arsenal reportedly set to beat Tottenham Hotspur in the race for Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze.

Arsenal have reportedly beaten Tottenham Hotspur to the signing of Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze.

Spurs have been working on a deal to recruit the Palace star after James Maddison sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury in pre-season.

A recent report claimed that Eze had reached an agreement with Tottenham, leaving it up to the two clubs to negotiate the transfer.

However, Spurs have struggled to find a swift resolution in talks with the Eagles, opening the door for their bitter rivals, Arsenal, to make a hijack attempt.

Earlier on Wednesday, it was reported that Arsenal were on the brink of an agreement with Palace over a transfer for the 27-year-old.

Arsenal reach agreement over Eze transfer

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, there is now a 'verbal agreement' in place between all parties for Eze to join Mikel Arteta's side.

The Eagles have negotiated a deal worth over £60m for a player who has entered the final two years of his contract.

Eze has made it clear that he would prefer to head to the Emirates Stadium instead of completing a move to Arsenal's North London rivals.

The news will come as a bitter blow to Tottenham, who have failed to finalise the transfer despite being in advanced discussions for a number of days.

They will now have to look elsewhere in their quest to strengthen Thomas Frank's attacking options before the summer transfer deadline.

Why are Arsenal keen to sign Eze?

Arsenal have acted quickly to finalise a deal for Eze following the news that Havertz has picked up a knee injury.

The Gunners are still waiting to establish the full extent of Havertz's injury, but they are seemingly concerned that he could be out for an extended period.

Eze may not be seen as a natural replacement, considering Havertz tends to operate as a centre-forward in Arteta's side.

However, he will add extra quality in the final third and will be a versatile option due to his ability to play as an attacking midfielder and off the left flank when required.

Eze will also arrive in a confident mood after scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists in 43 competitive appearances last term.

The former QPR man will surely be excited by the opportunity to play Champions League football for the first time in his career.

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