(Credit: Hasan Karim - Breaking Media)

Aasif Rahman

Fri 22 August 2025 8:30, UK

Arsenal players were quick to share their reactions after news emerged of the club’s dramatic hijack of Eberechi Eze from rivals Tottenham.

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Earlier this week it looked as though Eze was on the brink of joining Tottenham, with reports suggesting terms had already been agreed and even claims of a verbal agreement in place.

Tottenham fans were convinced the move for Eze was happening after the versatile forward’s emotional gestures towards the Crystal Palace supporters at Stamford Bridge last weekend – a moment that has since proven to be his farewell to the club.

But 20 August brought a major setback for Arsenal as Kai Havertz suffered a knee injury, leaving the club without clarity on how long he would be sidelined.

That development pushed the Gunners back into the market, and they moved decisively in their pursuit of Eze, snatching their long-term target from under the noses of their fiercest rivals.

Eze looks set to join Arsenal.

(Credit: Imago)

While many Tottenham fans expected a deal for Eze to be completed this week, it was Arsenal supporters, and even their players, who had the more exciting updates to follow.

Fabrizio Romano revealed on Instagram that Arsenal have agreed a £60 million deal for Eze, adding that Havertz’s injury was the “reason why Arsenal decided to bid”.

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He also noted that the Gunners “offered better terms” to beat Tottenham to the signing, fully aware that Eze preferred a move to the Emirates over Thomas Frank’s side.

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The news quickly gained traction among Arsenal’s squad, with Noni Madueke and Gabriel Magalhaes both dropping a like on Romano’s update.

The 27-year-old had long been on Mikel Arteta’s radar, with Football Insider reporting back in July that Arsenal were weighing up a move for Eze.

At that stage, other positions were considered higher priority, which allowed Spurs to advance talks, only for their rivals to swoop in and take control of the deal.

Eberechi Eze’s stats from the 2024/25 season.

(Credit: Imago)

Despite closing in on Eze, the Gunners are still active in the market, with reports suggesting Arsenal are now showing interest in Lyon winger Malick Fofana.

The 20-year-old is believed to be keen on a move to a Champions League club this summer amid Lyon’s ongoing financial problems.

Everton had made Fofana a key target but have failed to secure his signature, potentially opening the door for Arsenal to make their move.

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