Eze agreed personal terms with Spurs, who reached an agreement over a transfer fee on Wednesday, but Palace refused to immediately greenlight an exit as they wanted their talisman available for Thursday’s Conference League qualifier against Fredrikstad. As a result, the door was opened to Arsenal.

Eberechi Eze is now expected to join Arsenal after the Gunners came back in for him in the 11th hour, despite agreeing a move in principle to join north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur within the last 24 hours.