With the summer transfer window in full swing, Arsenal are reportedly plotting a move that could strike right at the heart of their fiercest North London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur. According to multiple reports, the Gunners have an ‘obvious’ swap deal up their sleeve — one that could strengthen Mikel Arteta’s squad significantly while simultaneously inflicting a major blow on Spurs’ transfer ambitions.
The player at the centre of this intrigue is Eberechi Eze, the Crystal Palace and England star who has become one of the most coveted attacking midfielders in the Premier League. Tottenham have been strongly linked with Eze for weeks now, viewing him as an ideal addition to Ange Postecoglou’s progressive, attack-minded side. But Arsenal’s interest has thrown a spanner in the works — and they might just hold the trump card to win the race.
While Spurs are prepared to pay big money, Arsenal could have an advantage that goes beyond a straight cash offer. Reports suggest the Gunners are weighing up a player-plus-cash proposal involving Emile Smith Rowe — the Hale End graduate who has found regular first-team minutes hard to come by under Arteta but remains a highly rated talent.
Smith Rowe, who has battled injuries and intense competition for places in Arsenal’s midfield, could relish the chance for a fresh start at Selhurst Park. Palace manager Oliver Glasner is known to admire technically gifted, versatile players like Smith Rowe. A swap deal could therefore suit all parties: Eze moves to the Emirates to bolster Arsenal’s creative options, Smith Rowe heads to Palace for more game time, and Palace secure a talented replacement without completely losing out on attacking quality.
For Arsenal, adding Eze would inject proven Premier League flair and direct running into their midfield — qualities that could help close the gap to Manchester City and maintain the club’s status as a genuine title contender. Eze’s ability to operate between the lines, carry the ball forward and chip in with goals makes him an ideal fit for Arteta’s fluid, possession-based system.
For Spurs, however, the prospect of seeing Eze in red and white would be a bitter pill to swallow. They have identified him as a player who can take their creative game up a level, especially with James Maddison needing support in the final third. Losing out on Eze to Arsenal — and watching him thrive at the Emirates — would not only deprive Postecoglou of a key target but deepen the frustration of seeing their rivals pull further ahead.
This potential swap deal echoes past instances where Arsenal have used clever bargaining to land priority targets. In the past, deals involving fringe players as makeweights have helped the Gunners balance the books and make big additions without spending over the odds. With Smith Rowe’s value still solid and Palace needing reinforcements in his mould, the swap option makes undeniable sense.
Of course, Palace will have their say too. They are under no pressure to sell Eze cheaply. The England international is one of their crown jewels and signed a new contract last year to protect his value. But with Arsenal offering an immediate, Premier League-ready replacement in Smith Rowe plus cash, the Eagles could be tempted to strike while the iron is hot.
The North London rivalry has rarely needed extra spice, but this transfer saga could add yet another layer. Should Arsenal pull off the swap, it would be a statement of intent — not just about strengthening their squad but about doing so at the expense of Tottenham’s plans. For Spurs, it will be a test of their resolve and ability to pivot to alternative targets if their primary creative signing slips through their fingers.
In the weeks ahead, expect the Eze links to intensify as Arsenal weigh their cards and Spurs scramble to respond. With both clubs looking to reinforce and fans desperate for bragging rights, this is one storyline that could define the summer window — and maybe even the Premier Lea
gue season to come.
