Arsenal have reportedly shaken the footballing world with a colossal move for a top-class striker, marking what is being described as a world-record £111 million deal. The North London side, long admired for their sharp recruitment, seem to have taken a bold leap in their ambitions, with the latest reports suggesting that the player is set to be handed the iconic No.9 jersey, currently worn by Gabriel Jesus.
The transfer market has often seen wild speculation, but this particular development has caught fire across social media and fan forums, fuelled by whispers from prominent insider circles. Though no official statement has been issued by Arsenal at the time of writing, multiple sources close to the club suggest that the deal is indeed done.
Adding more weight to the reports is the involvement of renowned insider Fabrizio Romano, who has supposedly issued his famous “Here we go” catchphrase regarding the move. While that confirmation has not been posted on his main platform yet, fans believe it could be a matter of timing, with an official announcement expected imminently.
The player in question is none other than Crystal Palace’s star attacker, Eberechi Eze. Arsenal have been long-time admirers of the 26-year-old England international, and recent weeks have seen negotiations intensify. Eze’s representatives reportedly reached personal terms with the club some time ago, and the player himself is said to be very keen on the move.
Initially considered a contingency plan, Eze’s profile fits perfectly into what Mikel Arteta desires for his attacking trident: creativity, intelligence, versatility, and that all-important cutting edge in front of goal. While he has traditionally operated as an attacking midfielder or winger, Eze has also shown a potent knack for goal-scoring, which could explain Arsenal’s vision of deploying him as a central forward.
In the 2024–25 season, Eze enjoyed a standout campaign, registering 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions. This followed a strong previous season, where he notched 11 goals and six assists in just 31 games. His consistency and flair have made him a marked man in the Premier League, drawing attention not just from Arsenal but also Tottenham and Liverpool.
Crystal Palace, for their part, have been open to negotiations but have stood firm on their financial demands. Their valuation—£68 million—was broken down into three instalments of £20 million each, plus £8 million in add-ons. However, Arsenal’s supposed £111 million bid suggests a deviation from this structure, possibly to outbid rival suitors or to structure the payment in a more front-loaded way.
The decision to reportedly hand Eze the No.9 shirt has raised a few eyebrows, considering it is currently worn by Gabriel Jesus. This could either signal a position shift for Jesus, or possibly point to a tactical change from Arteta. There’s also speculation about Jesus’ future, though there has been no credible report suggesting that he is on his way out.
Eze’s football journey is a classic underdog story. Having started out as a schoolboy at Arsenal’s Hale End academy, he was released before joining Fulham and later moving through Reading and Millwall. He finally signed his first professional contract with Queens Park Rangers in 2016. From there, he rose through the ranks and earned a Premier League move to Crystal Palace in August 2020.
At Palace, Eze blossomed into one of the league’s most technically gifted players. A deadly dribbler with outstanding vision, a natural flair for the dramatic, and a set-piece specialist, his game matured remarkably over the past two seasons. It is this maturity that likely convinced Arsenal that he was ready for the big stage at the Emirates.
For Arsenal fans, this move—if confirmed—represents a statement of intent. After narrowly missing out on the Premier League title last season, the club seems determined to bolster its attacking options in preparation for another title charge and a deeper Champions League run.
There are, however, questions being raised by some fans and pundits. Is Eze truly a central striker worthy of a £111 million fee? Or is this an inflated valuation driven by a hyper-competitive market? The answer may depend on how Arteta chooses to deploy him.
With Eze capable of playing across multiple attacking roles, it’s likely that he’ll be used fluidly in Arsenal’s tactical system. Whether he operates as a false nine, a creative ten behind the striker, or as a wide forward cutting in, he certainly has the tools to thrive in Arteta’s dynamic setup.
This potential signing also throws into question the club’s interest in other midfield and forward targets. Arsenal have been reportedly tracking Martin Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard, and even goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. If the Eze deal is as massive as reported, it could force the club to reprioritize or stagger those pursuits.
Still, fans are dreaming. With Bukayo Saka on one flank, Gabriel Martinelli on the other, and Eze either leading the line or feeding balls into the box, Arsenal’s frontline could become one of the most feared in Europe.
Eze’s addition could also provide crucial cover and competition in the squad, especially if the club aims to compete seriously on four fronts: Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup.
Although there is still no official press release or unveiling from the club, the signs are growing stronger that Arsenal have pulled off one of the most sensational transfers in recent memory. If and when the deal is formally confirmed, it will send shockwaves through the Premier League and across Europe.
And should Eze hit the ground running at the Emirates, Arsenal fans may look back on this summer as the moment their club truly re-entered the elite tier of European football contenders.
Stay tuned, Gunners. The Emirates could be about to welcome its next superstar.
