'Here we go' - Arsenal agree shock deal to sign key Tottenham target

Arsenal have reached a verbal agreement to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Gunners reignited their interest on Wednesday evening following reports that Kai Havertz had suffered a knee injury. Having opened talks, they swiftly advanced in negotiations and matched arch-rivals Tottenham's offer before ultimately agreeing a deal.

Eze is set to join Mikel Arteta's side for a fee in excess of £60million after making it clear he preferred a move to the red side of north London.

Arsenal agree deal to sign Eberechi Eze

Eze had been a target for Arsenal throughout much of the summer and was always said to be keen on a move. However, the Gunners' interest faded slightly and that prompted Spurs, who were previous suitors, to try get a deal over the line.

Thomas Frank's side advanced in negotiations and looked very close to completing the transfer, but a late strike from Andrea Berta and Arsenal has seen them secure his services.

The Athletic's David Ornstein revealed that the deal is worth in the region of Eze's recently expired £68m release clause, an offer that Spurs were also making. However, the player preferred a move to the Gunners and has also agreed personal terms with his soon-to-be new club.

Ornstein added that the move to sign Eze was executed by sporting director Berta and vice-chairman Tim Lewis. Multiple reports suggest negotiations occurred this afternoon with Arsenal acting swiftly to secure the deal.

Eze is set to play for Palace in their UEFA Conference League play-off game against Fredrikstad on Thursday before undergoing his Gunners medical. He played a key part in the Eagles' European qualification, scoring the winning goal in their 1-0 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

This will be the attacker's second spell at Arsenal, having previously been a member of their academy before eventually joining Queens Park Rangers and is also a boyhood fan.

Eze will be the Gunners' seventh signing of the summer, following in the footsteps of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and Viktor Gyokeres through the Emirates Stadium door.

With Havertz unavailable through injury, the signing of Eze should be great for Arsenal to maintain their squad depth as well as taking their overall ability up another level. Oh and of course, it's great to be taking a key target away from Tottenham.

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