Eberechi Eze's behaviour says it all about the type of player Arsenal are getting

Eberechi Eze's professionalism at Crystal Palace despite being on the verge of a move this summer shows exactly the type of player Arsenal are getting.

The 27-year-old Palace star was seemingly Tottenham-bound until Wednesday night's shock announcement that their north London rivals had swooped in to hijack the deal. Arsenal had initially taken a step back from pursuing the England international after securing a contract extension for 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri.

That paved the way for Spurs to become frontrunners for Eze’s signature, who was open to a Tottenham move but preferred to join boyhood club Arsenal.

Several days of gruelling negotiations ensued between Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and Palace co-owner Steve Parish over the transfer fee, only for Arsenal to ruthlessly push their fierce rivals aside by striking a deal with the south London side.

As per The Athletic, the Gunners submitted a bid in the ballpark of Eze's £68million release clause, which expired earlier this summer, matching the sum Spurs were willing to pay. Arsenal then moved swiftly to settle personal terms with the attacking midfielder.

The Independent reports they had actually laid the groundwork for an agreement with Palace as early as the morning of Sunday, August 10, but seemed hesitant to finalise the deal as they were more inclined to sign a left-winger – until an injury setback for forward Kai Havertz this week left them short in attack.

Eze is expected to complete his medical following Palace's Conference League play-off clash with Fredrikstad on Thursday, which looks to be his final appearance for the club he joined in 2020.

It showcases the same outstanding professionalism and dedication the player has displayed throughout the summer amid constant speculation surrounding his future.

Despite making it known to Palace that he was ready for a fresh challenge, Eze has refused to sulk and down tools like various other Premier League stars we've witnessed in recent weeks. He has featured in both of their competitive fixtures so far this season, having already etched his name into the club’s history by lifting the FA Cup and Community Shield.

Eze is now poised to become Arsenal's seventh arrival of the transfer window under new sporting director Andrea Berta. And considering how openly the player has spoken about his affection for the Gunners, it's likely he will give everything in an Arsenal shirt too.

Eze was once part of the north Londoners' youth setup and has never hidden his heartbreak when he was released aged 13. The youngster confessed he couldn't concentrate on his training afterwards and was left "crying for a week" in his bedroom.

Yet, Eze's love for the side stayed intact, as he revealed in 2018 that Thierry Henry was his hero and predicted that Arsenal would win the Premier League that season.

He said: "When I was younger, I used to love Thierry Henry, and that's sort of why I decided to sign for them. Just growing up playing for them, I've grown a love for them."

Eze is set for his 170th and final appearance for Palace, during which time he's scored 40 goals. He has been capped 12 times by England, scoring once.

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