Tottenham Hotspur have taken a decisive lead in the race to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, with sources revealing the club is preparing to table an official offer imminently.
Spurs have devised a deal structure they believe will tempt Palace into negotiations, aiming to finalize the transfer before the 27-year-old’s £68 million release clause expires later this week.
Read: Portuguese forward’s future in limbo as Borussia Dortmund walk away from Wolves talks
While Tottenham reportedly value Eze at around £55 million, Palace remain firm on the full clause amount. Despite the gap, Spurs are confident, having held talks with the player’s camp for over a week. Eze is said to be enthusiastic about the move, drawn by the opportunity to play Champions League football.
Arsenal, previously linked with the midfielder, have stepped back from the chase, leaving Tottenham in pole position to secure one of the Premier League’s most dynamic talents.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has said: “Tottenham are prepared to open formal negotiations for Eberechi Eze, with the player keen on the move as Palace have been informed of his desire.”
Palace might reject the initial approach, but Tottenham are ready to respond swiftly, confident their framework can close the gap. Eze, who has dazzled with his creativity and goal-scoring from midfield, is likely to have featured in his final match for the Eagles, waiting for talks to progress.
Arsenal’s reluctance has cleared the path for their rivals. The Gunners have hesitated over Eze, uncertain if he would displace captain Martin Odegaard in the No.10 role.
This indecision has left Eze more open to alternatives, handing Tottenham the advantage in what could be a statement signing to bolster their attacking options, especially with James Maddison sidelined by injury for much of the season.
In other Tottenham developments, the club are set to table an improved offer for Manchester City’s winger Savinho after their initial 42 million pounds bid was turned down.
City are demanding around 67 million pounds for the Brazilian, but Spurs remain determined, with Savinho’s agent confirming ongoing interest and the player’s openness to the switch.
Meanwhile, Juventus have shown real interest in midfielder Yves Bissouma, potentially preparing a 23 to 25 million pounds offer as they seek reinforcements.
Tottenham, however, value the Malian highly and may resist any advances amid their midfield rebuild.