Eberechi Eze ‘decides’ on his preferred Premier League destination as Arsenal and Spurs circle.

Arsenal and Tottenham are going head-to-head for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, with both clubs pushing to bring the England international to north London.

Eze cemented his place in Palace history in May by scoring the winner in their FA Cup triumph over Manchester City. The 27-year-old was also involved in Sunday’s Community Shield success, helping Palace fight back twice to draw 2-2 with Liverpool before winning 3-2 on penalties, despite missing his own spot-kick.

Arsenal were initially in pole position to sign Eze, but Spurs have reignited their interest. They had cooled their pursuit earlier in the year, giving Arsenal an opening, but the collapse of a move for Morgan Gibbs-White — halted by Nottingham Forest despite Spurs triggering his release clause — has forced them to reconsider.

Tottenham’s need for a creative spark has grown after James Maddison suffered an ACL injury in pre-season and Dejan Kulusevski’s ongoing recovery from knee surgery. Eze, who has a £68m release clause expiring on August 15th, has now emerged as a top target, though neither side is currently willing to pay that fee. Arsenal must sell first, with Leandro Trossard among those available, but a lack of buyers could give Spurs the chance to swoop.

While Spurs are serious about their bid, Arsenal remain Eze’s preferred destination, according to the Guardian. The midfielder spent part of his youth career at Arsenal before leaving at 13. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, however, reports that Eze is also “keen” on Tottenham for the lure of Champions League football, making the race finely balanced.

Following their failed CAS appeal over demotion to the UEFA Conference League, Palace may have to cash in on key players before the September 1st deadline, with Eze, Marc Guehi, and Adam Wharton all linked with exits.