Arsenal have sealed a deal worth up to $91 million for Eberechi Eze, hijacking the transfer from Tottenham, who were on the verge of signing the Crystal Palace star. The agreement includes $70.2 million guaranteed plus $8.7 million in add-ons, according to ESPN.

On what began as a calm morning, Spurs had already reached agreements with both the player and Palace, confident of announcing the signing. But just hours later, everything collapsed when the Gunners jumped into the race after learning that Kai Havertz could face months on the sidelines with a knee injury.

The Domino Effect That Favored Arsenal

The move was so unexpected that Eze was originally set to start in the Conference League clash against Fredrikstad, but manager Oliver Glasner left him out after the player called in to say he wasn’t ready to play. Following Palace’s 1-0 win, Glasner admitted he doesn’t think Eze will feature for the club again: “Looks like we have to wish him the best at his new club.”

Interestingly, Arsenal had shown interest in Eze weeks ago, but the signing hinged on two factors: the contract renewal of youngster Ethan Nwaneri and the need to offload players after spending more than $234 million in this transfer window. Havertz’s injury completely shifted the picture.

A Blow to Tottenham, a Boost for the Gunners

The deal also had an emotional component: while he was ready to join Spurs, Eze grew up as an Arsenal fan, which made the last-minute twist easier to accept. For Tottenham, meanwhile, it represents another bitter disappointment after also missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White, who renewed with Nottingham Forest.

Now Arsenal add a creative, game-changing playmaker who was living his final months at Palace, while the Gunners’ supporters celebrate not just a key signing, but also a symbolic victory over their fiercest North London rivals.