Tottenham Hotspur are increasingly confident of completing a deal worth at least $81 million for Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze, sources told ESPN.
ESPN sources indicate that Spurs have moved ahead of Arsenal in the race for the 27-year-old England international. Tottenham submitted an offer worth an initial $74 million with approximately $7 million in add-ons.
Eze\'s $91 million release clause expired earlier this month, allowing Tottenham to negotiate for a lower fee. The midfielder has two years remaining on his Crystal Palace contract at Selhurst Park.
Sources say Eze has informed Palace he is willing to join Tottenham. Spurs will compete in the Champions League this season after winning the Europa League in May.
Arsenal had tracked Eze for some time but their pursuit was contingent on Ethan Nwaneri\'s contract situation. The teenager has since signed a new five-year deal with the Gunners.
Arsenal\'s decision to improve Leandro Trossard\'s contract terms suggests they have cooled their interest in Eze. The north London club spent approximately $270 million this transfer window and are now reliant on outgoings.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner downplayed immediate transfer speculation after Eze played 84 minutes in Saturday\'s 0-0 draw at Chelsea. The midfielder had a free-kick goal ruled out by VAR in the first half.
\"I\'m quite calm, but I also know, we have two weeks to go, and I know Ebs\' clause is gone, so it\'s the club\'s decision, and we will see what happens,\" Glasner said after the match.
Glasner expects Eze to be available for Thursday\'s Conference League playoff against Fredrikstad despite ongoing transfer discussions.
Via James Olley/ESPN