🔥 Why It’s Heating Up
**£68 million release clause**: Eze’s contract at Crystal Palace reportedly includes a £60–68 million buyout clause, payable in installments—£45 million upfront plus add-ons .
Prolific season: The 26-year-old delivered 14 goals and 11 assists, including the FA Cup–winning goal, and earned an England recall .
⚔️ Arsenal vs. Spurs – The Battle Lines
Arsenal
Front-runners: Recently became favourites in odds markets (6/4) . Bookmakers like Bet365 shortened odds significantly .
Personal terms agreed: Insider reports suggest they’ve struck a deal and that Eze is keen on the move. They’re in advanced talks with Crystal Palace on instalments structure .
Strategic alternative: Seen as a cost-effective left-wing target compared to next-level options like Rodrygo .
Tottenham
Continuous pursuit: Spurs have been tracking Eze for over a year and were widely expected to trigger his clause .
Player preference: Reports suggest Eze is “pushing to join Spurs” and open to a player-plus-cash swap .
Threatened by hijack: Spurs are concerned Arsenal (and possibly Man City) might swoop in. Sources say Arsenal “hijacked” an informal agreement.
🧠 Player Profile & Fit
Versatility: Operates as an attacking midfielder or left winger; technically adept with creativity and scoring instincts .
Big-game impact: Known for clutch performances, including the decisive FA Cup final strike .
North London fit: At Spurs, he could form a potent partnership with Maddison; at Arsenal, he’d slot into Arteta’s versatile front line .
🗓️ What’s Next?
Palace open: The Eagles are willing to negotiate, but insist on contract structured payments .
Transfer pendulum: With Arsenal leading in public talks and odds, Spurs face an uphill battle — yet they remain in contention, especially if they secure Champions League qualification.
Timeline: With preseason looming, expect movement within weeks — whichever side lands a formal bid and meets payment terms first.
💭 Bottom line
Both Arsenal and Spurs are serious contenders for Eze. Arsenal appear ahead in negotiations and betting markets, while Spurs hold an emotional edge and possible pre-existing rapport. The deciding factors will likely be structure of deal, Champions League assurance, and which club seals the first firm bid.
We’ll update as soon as clubs close in.
