Arsenal have lit up the summer transfer window with a move that will be remembered for years to come. In a sensational twist, the Gunners have hijacked Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze from under the noses of both Chelsea and Liverpool, sealing what is being described as one of the boldest moves of the 2025 summer market. Eze, who had been closely monitored by both Premier League giants, has signed a whopping seven-year contract with Arsenal after personally giving the green light to the transfer.
The 26-year-old attacking midfielder, admired for his dazzling footwork, creativity, and consistent output, was a top target for new Liverpool boss Arne Slot and Chelsea’s recruitment team. Both clubs were confident of landing him. But Arsenal, powered by new sporting director Andrea Berta, swooped in decisively, completing the deal in just two days after direct talks with the player and his representatives.
Sources close to the deal say Eze was immediately drawn to Mikel Arteta’s project at the Emirates. Arsenal’s transformation into a Champions League contender, combined with their attractive playing style, reportedly made a lasting impression on the former Queens Park Rangers star. According to insiders, once the Gunners made their interest known, Eze told his camp, “That’s where I want to be.”
The £80 million deal, structured as a £60 million upfront fee with £20 million in performance-based bonuses, is one of the largest in Arsenal’s history. It underlines their commitment to building a squad capable of competing with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, both domestically and in Europe. Arsenal fans, still buzzing from their Champions League semi-final run last season, took to social media in celebration, with hashtags like #EzeIsRed and #BertaMasterclass trending globally.
Eze was unveiled at Arsenal’s London Colney training facility earlier today, donning the famous red and white shirt for the first time. He expressed excitement about joining the club and revealed he had spoken extensively with Arteta before making his decision. “Mikel outlined a vision I fully believe in. I want to help this club return to the top, and I’m ready for the challenge,” he said during the presentation.
Andrea Berta, the man behind the scenes, has been hailed as the architect of the coup. His swift, quiet approach blindsided both Chelsea and Liverpool. In fact, reports suggest Chelsea had already scheduled final talks with Eze’s camp for this weekend, only to be told the player had made up his mind in favour of Arsenal. For Liverpool, the blow is even deeper, as they had seen Eze as a key alternative to aging midfielders like Thiago and an upgrade in creative areas.
The signing also adds serious depth to Arsenal’s midfield and attacking options. With Leandro Trossard expected to complete a move to Fenerbahce and Emile Smith Rowe possibly heading out on loan, Eze’s arrival offers the perfect balance of flair and end-product. Last season, he recorded 11 goals and 6 assists for Crystal Palace — numbers that would excite any top-tier club.
Eze is expected to operate in the number 10 role or drift in from the left wing — both areas where Arteta believes the team needed more unpredictability. His presence could see Martin Ødegaard used in a more advanced role, or in rotation, allowing Arsenal to keep their creative edge fresh throughout a long season. Some fans are even speculating about a dream frontline featuring Eze, Ødegaard, Saka, and Martinelli — a fearsome quartet that would cause nightmares for Premier League defenses.
This is not Arsenal’s only major piece of business this summer. The North London club has already signed Kepa Arrizabalaga as a backup to David Raya, brought in Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi to solidify the midfield, and snapped up young English winger Noni Madueke in a surprise move. The addition of Eze, however, feels like the jewel in the crown — the headline signing that could define their ambitions.
Arteta has made it clear that Arsenal will no longer settle for top-four finishes. Speaking last month, he said, “We want to compete at the highest level, in every competition. That means making bold moves in the market.” With Eze’s arrival, those words have been matched with decisive action.
However, the deal has also attracted scrutiny. Some analysts have questioned whether Eze, despite his obvious talent, is worth the £80 million fee. Others argue that he has yet to prove himself on the Champions League stage or in a high-pressure title race. But Arteta has shown a knack for developing players — from the resurgence of Kai Havertz to the elevation of William Saliba and Ben White, he has repeatedly turned potential into performance.
As for Eze himself, there’s a sense this is a step up he’s been ready for. Speaking to reporters, he said: “I’ve dreamed of playing in the Champions League, of competing for titles. Arsenal gives me that platform. Now it’s up to me to repay the faith.” His confidence, maturity, and hunger to prove himself at the highest level have already won over many supporters.
The deal also signals a shift in Arsenal’s transfer strategy under Berta. While previous windows saw the club hesitate or miss out on targets due to slow negotiations, this time they’ve acted with speed and conviction — a quality often associated with title-winning clubs. If this is a sign of things to come, Arsenal fans have every reason to be excited.
The timing couldn’t be better. Arsenal are about to kick off their pre-season tour in Singapore, and Eze is expected to join the squad immediately. Arteta is keen to integrate him quickly, allowing the midfielder to settle before the Premier League opener. Early indications suggest he could debut in the friendly against Bayern Munich next week.
With Manchester City strengthening, Manchester United rebuilding, and Liverpool undergoing a tactical transition under Arne Slot, Arsenal’s aggressive approach in the transfer market shows they mean business. They are not here to participate — they are here to conquer. And Eberechi Eze could be the X-factor that propels them over the finish line.
For Arsenal fans, it’s a moment of joy — and a statement to the rest of the league. The Gunners have hijacked one of the hottest properties in English football and tied him down to a long-term deal. The message is clear: Arsenal are ready to challenge on all fronts.
And with a seven-year contract now signed and sealed, one thing is certain — Eze is all in.
