Tottenham Hotspur have now joined Arsenal in the race to sign Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze this summer.
TBR Football understands that Tottenham have held talks with Eze as they look to rival the Gunners for the England international’s signature.
At this stage, Arsenal remain undecided whether to move for Eze or not, but Spurs’ talks with the 27-year-old could kick them into gear.
Speaking about the situation, Darren Bent has revealed which club Eze would be better off joining between Spurs and Arsenal.
Bent believes that Eberechi Eze should sign for Arsenal over Tottenham as Mikel Arteta’s side are further along in their development than their North London rivals.
The former Spurs striker is adamant that at the Emirates Stadium, Eze would quickly become a regular, and he can’t believe his release clause has yet been matched.
Bent told TalkSPORT: “I’m shocked he’s still there! I look at all the talent that he’s got, Eze, and he is such a talented footballer, can go both ways, can score goals and is great to watch.
“If that is the release clause of that amount of money, surely you’d think there would be more clubs in than just Arsenal and Spurs, I’m talking across Europe.
When he was asked about whether he’d start at Arsenal, Bent added: “I think if Eze comes, he will start. I still like Martinelli, but Eze’s a better player.
“But I think if you’re looking at Arsenal and looking at Tottenham, yes, Spurs are in the Champions League, yes, they won a trophy last season, but they finished fourth from bottom.
“In my opinion, Arsenal are in a better place. I just think Arsenal to move forward are in a better place.”
But Arsenal fans aren’t sold on Eze, as there is a sense that the left side of their attack requires a proper winger, and the 27-year-old would struggle in such a role.
Arsenal view Eze as a number ten, and with Ethan Nwaneri and Martin Odegaard there, the need for another option is not quite as pressing anymore.
The longer the window drags on and Eze remains at the club, the likelier it will become that Palace’s stance on selling Eze could harden, claims David Ornstein.
The Gunners’ move for Eze was linked to Ethan Nwaneri’s future, so with the teenager having now signed a new contract, their need for a number ten has reduced.
Tottenham remain in the picture, but there could be doubts over his age, the £68 million price and the fact they have other targets for the number ten role.
Ornstein told The Athletic FC Podcast: “We know with Arsenal, the situation seemed to be linked with Ethan Nwaneri’s future, if he was going to leave, clearly Arsenal were lining up a move for Eze.
“With Ethan Nwaneri signing the new deal, the need for Eze or another player in that position was less pressing, and maybe they’re focusing on other areas. It’s not that he’s gone from the agenda; there’s a great affection for Eze at Arsenal and vice versa.
“We need to keep an eye on that situation, but there will be considerations at Arsenal on the price, age profile and the position.
“In the meantime, Tottenham, with the departure of Son and the injury to Maddison, they are looking at that number ten role, but they’re looking at multiple candidates.
“Again, that price might not be right for them, with the age profile as well, so the longer it goes towards the deadline, Crystal Palace may harden because their time to find a replacement is reducing.”
