Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle to sign Eberechi Eze after hijacking rivals Tottenham's £60million, plus add-ons move for the star.
The Gunners made a late swoop for Crystal Palace's Eze, after rivals Spurs had been closing in on securing a deal to sign him.
Spurs were on the verge of completing a deal to sign the England international in a deal worth around £60m, but Arsenal accelerated their negotiations on Wednesday, with Palace delaying.
It's understood that boyhood Gunners fan Eze, who also played in the club's academy, went back on his agreement with Spurs in order to seal a switch to the Emirates Stadium.
And talkSPORT can confirm that the Gunners and Palace have now agreed a deal in principle that will see Eze join for £60m, a club-record sale for the Eagles.
Spurs have now officially withdrawn their interest in Eze, with Thomas Frank's side forced to consider alternatives.
Arsenal stepped up their interest in Eze after Kai Havertz suffered a knee injury that is expected to rule him out for several weeks.
They held talks with Eze earlier in the summer window, and they have now returned, with things moving quickly.
The Gunners have met the conditions set by Palace, as the 27-year-old nears a late change in destination.
Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are understood to have met with the England international in early July.
They pitched the Arsenal project before Spurs came in with their bid for him, which was close to being completed.
Eze was sold on joining the Gunners over a month ago, but no formal offer came in from the club; however, it has come now and Eze is ready to join, with the previous talks crucial to the move.
Why have Arsenal bid for Eze now?
As mentioned, Arsenal have made their late approach to sign Eze after Havertz picked up an injury.
Havertz, who came off the bench in their season opener against Manchester United, is said to have suffered a knee injury.
The severity of the German's knock is unknown as things stand, but it is expected to sideline him for a few weeks.
He was absent from the Gunners' training session on Wednesday.
Arteta now moving for Eze is an indication that Havertz is set for a significant spell out, as the manager looks for more attacking options to cover for him.
Viktor Gyokeres is now the only fit striker in the squad, leaving Leandro Trossard potentially having to fill the void.
It means the Gunners could also put Mikel Merino up front, with that opening gaps that Eze could be set to fill.
Eze can play in midfield or out wide on the left, which could suit Arsenal and their often fluid approach with positions.
Noni Madueke still has to win over fans at the Emirates, while Gabriel Martinelli has come under criticism too.
So, Eze may be a perfect option to upgrade on the left flank.
That's if he doesn't cover in midfield along with Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and new summer arrival Martin Zubimendi.
Last season, Eze netted eight goals and provided eight assists in the Premier League, playing inside off the left wing.
Eze to play in Europe
Earlier on Wednesday, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed that Eze will start their opening European clash.
Palace take on Fredrikstad FK on Thursday in what is the club's first match in their Conference League campaign.
Glasner said at his press conference: "The player gives 100 per cent because he is under contract. We don't have to say thank you every day, he is getting a few pounds every week.
"Many of you were surprised he and Marc [Guehi] started against Chelsea, you may be surprised they start tomorrow, but they are committed to the team.
"They will play a crucial part for as long as they are here they are committed to the team. If they leave, they want to leave as the guys who gave 100 per cent to Crystal Palace."
But Eze's move to Arsenal may have already wrapped up by then.