Arsenal forward Eberechi Eze has revealed that he was actually ready to join Tottenham Hotspur before Arsenal made their move during the summer transfer window.
The talented England international was one of the most sought-after players after a brilliant season with Crystal Palace, where he recorded 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.
His standout moment came when he scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, etching his name into Palace history and attracting attention from several top clubs.
At the start of the current campaign, Eze continued to perform impressively under Oliver Glasner before Arsenal swooped in late in the summer with a £67.5 million offer to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.
However, before that move happened, it seemed he was destined to cross to the other side of North London. Tottenham had shown serious interest, and Eze himself has now admitted that he was prepared to join Thomas Frank’s team before Arsenal’s approach changed everything.
Speaking to The Athletic, he said, “I was prepared to go to Tottenham, but from the moment Arsenal came, it was always going to be them.”
The story comes full circle for Eze, who spent part of his youth career in Arsenal’s academy before moving on to Fulham, Reading, and Millwall. His journey through the lower leagues saw him rise through determination and patience, beginning his professional career with Queens Park Rangers and later joining Crystal Palace in 2020.
Now, 14 years after leaving Arsenal’s youth system, he has finally returned to the club he always dreamed of representing.
Eze has described his first match for Arsenal as an emotional moment that felt almost surreal. “My first Arsenal game was special. It almost didn’t feel real because it’s something I’ve been dreaming of for a long time,” he said.
“Playing for Arsenal from eight to 13, it’s been in the back of my mind wanting to go back. It felt like the realisation of a dream.”
The 27-year-old’s journey from being a promising academy player to a Premier League star in Arsenal’s red shirt is a story of persistence and belief.
As Mikel Arteta’s side prepare to face Crystal Palace this weekend, Eze will meet his former club for the first time since leaving.
Despite his affection for Palace, there’s no doubt he’ll be eager to open his Premier League goal account for Arsenal — a moment that would make his homecoming even more special.
