Arsenal and Spurs given new deadline for Eberechi Eze transfer as third club emerges in race

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a fresh deadline in their pursuit of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, as the transfer race for one of the Premier League’s most dynamic midfielders takes another twist. With a third club now entering the frame, the battle for his signature is set to intensify in the coming days.

Eze, 27, has been one of the standout performers in English football over the last three seasons. His tally of 29 Premier League goals from midfield, combined with his flair, vision, and composure, has cemented his reputation as one of the country’s finest attacking midfielders. Last season, he played a pivotal role in Crystal Palace’s historic FA Cup triumph, guiding the club to their first-ever European qualification.

That European journey, however, hit a bump before it even began. A breach of UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations saw Palace shifted from the Europa League to the UEFA Conference League — a decision that frustrated both players and fans. Despite the disappointment, the club has so far managed to keep its key players, a sign of resilience in a summer where many Premier League sides are undergoing major squad changes.

While Palace appear determined to keep hold of their talisman, the situation surrounding Eze has become more complicated. According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are in advanced talks to sign club captain Marc Guehi in a deal worth around £30–35 million. Guehi’s case is different — he is in the final year of his contract — but the potential sale has raised questions over whether Palace could resist a lucrative offer for Eze as well.

For now, Eze’s future remains tied to a crucial detail: his £68 million release clause, which is set to expire on Friday, August 15. Once that date passes, any interested club could face paying a significantly higher fee for his services. That gives Arsenal and Spurs less than 48 hours to act decisively if they want to avoid being priced out of the race.

The plot thickened when The Telegraph reported that Newcastle United had joined the chase. The Magpies are understood to be closing in on the signing of Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa, but their interest in Eze remains genuine. Newcastle’s participation adds another layer of intrigue to the battle, even though their immediate focus may shift depending on the Ramsey deal’s progress.

There is also the question of timing. Palace are scheduled to face crucial UEFA Conference League third-round qualifiers on August 21 and 28, and there is a growing belief that Eze may remain at Selhurst Park at least until those matches are concluded. From the club’s perspective, having him available for such important fixtures could be worth more than the immediate financial windfall from a transfer.

From the player’s side, there has been no clear indication that he is actively pushing for a move. Eze joined Palace from Queens Park Rangers in 2020 and quickly became a fan favourite. He earned his first England cap in 2021 and has continued to grow in stature, becoming a consistent presence in the national setup and a key figure under Thomas Tuchel since the start of the year.

What may sway his decision is personal history. According to The Guardian, if presented with offers from both Arsenal and Spurs, Eze would lean towards a move to the Emirates. Having spent part of his youth career with Arsenal before being released at the age of 13, a return would represent unfinished business. His journey after that setback — including spells at Fulham, Reading, and Millwall before finally breaking through at QPR — has given his career a compelling underdog narrative.

For Arsenal, signing Eze would not only strengthen their midfield but also add a creative spark to complement their current attacking options. For Spurs, the appeal is just as strong — Eze’s dribbling, agility, and eye for goal fit perfectly into Ange Postecoglou’s fast-paced, attack-minded system. But with time ticking down on his release clause, both North London rivals will need to decide quickly whether to commit the funds necessary to secure his signature before the price potentially skyrockets.

What’s certain is that the coming days could be decisive in shaping not only Eze’s future but also the balance of power in the Premier League. With Newcastle lurking, Palace holding firm, and the deadline looming, the stage is set for one of the most intriguing transfer sagas of the summer to rea