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Eze to Arsenal: The Moment the Title Push Got Real
Arsenal’s dramatic move to steal Eberechi Eze away from arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur is a ruthless statement of intent designed to show this is the season they can finally claim the biggest prizes.
Spurs were ready to roll out the welcoming carpet for Crystal Palace’s England forward on Wednesday, with every indication a deal for the 27-year-old was virtually done.
It then filtered out that Arsenal were assessing the seriousness of a knee injury to forward Kai Havertz, which could potentially put a dent in their attacking resources – a weakness that played a significant part in manager Mikel Arteta’s side finishing empty-handed for the fifth year in succession last season.
Instead of taking the cheaper option of exploring the loan market, as was first expected, Arsenal went for broke in spectacular style by setting up a £60m coup to take Eze to Emirates Stadium.
Eze’s move to Arsenal is not simply a devastating psychological blow aimed across north London at Spurs.
It is a clear signal the Gunners have no intention of falling short in their stated aim of mounting a serious Premier League title challenge, as well as going deep in the Champions League once more after reaching the semi-finals last season.
It is a strategy in stark contrast to the inertia that gripped Arsenal last season, when their failure to solve an obvious problem – by signing a recognised striker – cost them dearly.
Spurs thought they had Eze wrapped up, with the possibility of a cash-plus-Richarlison deal discussed, but Arsenal moved with lightning speed once they were confronted by the possibility of Havertz facing a spell on the sidelines.
Arsenal have been linked with Eze all summer, but it was thought their interest had cooled once Ethan Nwaneri agreed a new five-year contract, on top of signing Chelsea winger Noni Madueke in a £48.5m deal.
Havertz’s injury, and its potential consequences, reignited that interest to leave Spurs stunned.
