Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze is expected to be left out of the squad for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, intensifying speculation that he is on the verge of joining Tottenham Hotspur despite links to Arsenal.
The 27-year-old England international has reportedly informed Palace of his desire to leave and is understood to have already agreed personal terms with Spurs. According to multiple sources, negotiations between the two clubs are progressing as Tottenham push to finalise a deal before the transfer deadline.
Eze joined Palace from Queens Park Rangers in 2020 for £20 million and has since become one of their most influential players. Last season, he registered 11 goals and four assists in the Premier League, cementing his reputation as a creative force and a set-piece specialist.
While Arsenal were also linked with the midfielder earlier this summer, interest from the Gunners is believed to have cooled, leaving Spurs as the clear frontrunners.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported earlier this week that Eze had made clear his wish to join Tottenham, while Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri described his omission from the Chelsea fixture as a strong signal of his intent to move.
Palace are already believed to be identifying replacements, a sign that the club is preparing for life without their star midfielder.
The deal could be worth around £68 million, though Eze’s release clause expired earlier in the summer, meaning negotiations are more complex. If the move is completed swiftly, the midfielder could make his Spurs debut as early as their upcoming fixtures against Leicester City or beyond.
For Palace, Eze’s absence represents a major blow ahead of Sunday’s trip to Stamford Bridge, particularly given he scored against Chelsea last season. For Tottenham, however, it could mark a significant boost as new manager Thomas Frank looks to reinforce his squad following James Maddison’s long-term injury.
