Confirmed: 2017 Super Eagles invitee joins Arsenal after snubbing Tottenham Hotspur

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of England international of Nigerian descent Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, bringing the curtain down on his five-year spell at Selhurst Park.

The Premier League giants announced the deal on their official website, revealing that the versatile attacking midfielder has signed a long-term contract.

The move marks a return to familiar ground for Eze, who spent part of his youth career at Arsenal before spells with Fulham, Reading, Millwall and Queens Park Rangers.

Eze trained with the Super Eagles in March 2017 ahead of a scheduled friendly with Burkina Faso, but never made his debut after the match was cancelled.

He has since become cap-tied to England, making competitive appearances for his country of birth despite long-standing interest from the Nigeria Football Federation.

Arsenal's capture of the 27-year-old is viewed as a major transfer coup, particularly as north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur were also in advanced negotiations for his signature.

Spurs greed terms with Crystal Palace, but the Gunners hijacked the deal, sealing the signing of a player who once wore their colours at academy level.

Eze departs Crystal Palace having established himself as one of the Premier League's most creative attacking outlets, recording 40 goals and 28 assists in 169 appearances.

He now becomes the third player on Arsenal's books to choose England instead of the Super Eagles, following in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka and summer signing Noni Madueke.
 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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