Eberechi Eze is close to joining Tottenham after Arsenal backed out of the race. The England international is expected to start for Crystal Palace in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad on Thursday before sealing a £60m move to Spurs.

Pundit Frank Leboeuf has questioned Arsenal’s decision to sign Eberechi Eze this summer, despite the club already having several options in the same position. The Gunners recently hijacked Tottenham’s pursuit of the England international,

Wright, as Eze hopes to imminently do, trod the now legendary path from south London to Arsenal. He has London spirit. London energy. London style. His personality, as well as his ability, is a big part of the attraction, and the connections he already shares with England team-mates at Arsenal ensure he would be welcomed with open arms.

EBERECHI EZE has snubbed Tottenham after Arsenal spectacularly hijacked his move to their rivals. And the Crystal Palace ace’s decision to opt for the red side of North London is steeped in

Eberechi Eze will undergo a medical at Arsenal, with Tottenham to miss out on the Crystal Palace star despite planning to send Richarlison the other way.

Arsenal's stunning coup to snatch Eberechi Eze away from Spurs is a ruthless statement of intent, says BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty