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Arsenal star Noni Madueke has appeared to approve the club's decision to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace. Mikel Arteta's side are said to have reached an agreement in principle to bring Eze, 27, to the Emirates Stadium.
Tottenham had been in further talks with Palace for Eze on Wednesday, football.london understands, as Spurs tried to accelerate a move and secure his signature.
However, Arsenal then chose to step up their interest and hijack a deal to sign the England international, who has made it clear his preference is the red half of north London.
The Gunners are expected to pay in the region of £68m - the same as Eze's expired release clause - matching the level of fee Spurs were prepared to pay and personal terms have been agreed.
Eze is expected to play for Palace against Fredrikstad in the Conference League play-off on Thursday before undergoing a medical with Arsenal. Should the relevant paperwork go through before Friday at 12pm, Eze could make his Gunners debut against Leeds United on Saturday evening.
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After a deal involving Eze broke on social media, one Arsenal star reacted to the news. In fact, on Instagram, Madueke liked Fabrizio Romano's post where he said Eze's move to the Gunners was all-but done.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta and vice-chairman Tim Lewis led the process of getting a deal agreed for Eze, who is set to become the club's seventh signing of the summer transfer window.
The ex-QPR man is anticipated to follow goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, defender Cristhian Mosquera, midfield duo Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, winger Noni Madueke and striker Viktor Gyokeres to north London.
A move for Eze had been accelerated after it emerged that Kai Havertz suffered another injury setback. The German appeared to pick up a knee issue during Sunday's 1-0 win at Manchester United and is now facing a spell on the sidelines. Assessments are at an early stage and the timeline on how long he will be out is unclear.
Eze joined Palace from QPR for £17m in 2020 and has made 169 appearances for the south London club, scoring 40 times and providing 28 assists.
He helped the Eagles win the FA Cup last season, netting the winner against Manchester City in the final at Wembley - a result that saw them lift their first-ever piece of major silverware.
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