In a dramatic twist in the summer transfer saga, Tottenham reportedly offered their £60 million man, Richarlison, to Crystal Palace in a last-ditch effort to sign standout midfielder Eberechi Eze—a move that ultimately failed as Arsenal swooped in to seal the deal.
Arsenal, fresh from a significant transfer window, finalized a deal for Eze worth £60 million plus an additional £7.5 million in add-ons. This acquisition comes after a knee injury to Kai Havertz reportedly prompted Arsenal to fast-track their move. Eze, 27, will play his final game for Palace before undergoing a medical with the Gunners.
This outcome is a bitter pill for Spurs, who had also been in “extensive talks” with Palace for Eze, especially after missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest. According to the Daily Mail, Tottenham initially offered a deal of £55 million plus add-ons before agreeing to Palace’s higher valuation. The offer of Richarlison, who cost Tottenham £60 million just three years ago, highlights the club’s determination to land the player.
Despite the all-out effort, sources say Spurs are “dismayed” by the turn of events. While Eze had reportedly agreed to personal terms with Tottenham, he was holding out for a move to Arsenal. The Gunners’ late bid proved decisive, leaving their North London rivals empty-handed.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner remains unfazed by the transfer frenzy. He emphasized that both Eze and fellow star Marc Guehi (who is a target for Liverpool) remain committed as long as they are under contract. Glasner praised their professionalism, stating they have “always give[n] 100 per cent for Crystal Palace.”
This transfer saga serves as a classic example of the high-stakes world of football negotiations, where even the most lucrative offers and player swaps can fall short against a player’s preferred destination.
