Arsenal set to take on north London rivals Tottenham in race to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze

Arsenal set to take on north London rivals Tottenham in race to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze - Paper Round

Published 26/06/2025 at 23:23 GMT+1

The race is on to sign Eberechi Eze, with north London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham set to battle for the Crystal Palace midfielder. Elsewhere, reports claim The Gunners could move for former Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez, while Viktor Gyokeres prefers a move to Manchester United this summer, and Eddie Howe's Newcastle are preparing a triple swoop.

‘Flying start’ - Eze stuns Man City inside eight minutes at the Etihad

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Arsenal v Spurs in battle for Eze

The Sun claims Arsenal are set to take on north London rivals Tottenham in the race to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

The midfielder is reportedly in hot demand this summer after helping Palace to their first-ever FA Cup triumph last season, with a memorable victory over Manchester City in the final.

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"SunSport understands Gunners chief Andrea Berta has held talks with one of Eze’s representatives," reads the article.

"But Berta will have to convince the Arsenal hierarchy that it is a worthwhile deal given the England international’s age and the fee.

"Spurs target Eze turns 27 on Sunday and the Emirates club are against signing two players that age with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, 27, also on their radar.

"RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko remains Arsenal’s No. 1 striker target but they are also interested in Gyokeres, although they face competition from Manchester United and Liverpool.

"Earlier this summer, signing a left-winger was regarded as a bonus, with a striker a priority, but the club now want to do both."

'That's a celebration in itself!' - Eze delights in learning sign language

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Arsenal line up surprise striker option

Arsenal could make a move for former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez if they are unable to land either Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres.

The Sun also claims The Gunners have Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike on their shortlist of attacking options.

Last season’s Premier League runners-up are stepping up their pursuit of an attacker having played through some of the campaign without a recognised striker.

"Arsenal are willing to play a waiting game to land Benjamin Sesko at a competitive price," reads the article.

"But the Gunners have other targets if they cannot agree terms for Sesko with RB Leipzig or for Viktor Gyokeres with Sporting Lisbon.

"Former Manchester City star Julian Alvarez and Eintracht Frankfurt frontman Hugo Ekitike are also on the Arsenal shortlist.

"And sporting director Andrea Berta is spinning a number of plates as he bids to land the right striker for the right fee.

"Arsenal’s interest in Sesko is long-standing and remains strong. Yet SunSport understands Leipzig are yet to receive a formal bid and the delay in progress is puzzling sources in Germany.

"Meanwhile at Sporting, Gyokeres is kicking up a stink about the Portuguese club refusing to honour a gentleman’s agreement to let him go this summer for £59m - instead of his release clause of £85m."

'One of the hottest properties in Europe' - Leipzig's Sesko thumps in 'red-hot' opener

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Gyokeres switches focus to Man Utd

Sporting CF striker Viktor Gyokeres wants a move to Manchester United this summer, it has been claimed.

The Mirror claims a host of top European clubs have turned down the opportunity to sign the Sweden international, leaving him with a choice between United and Arsenal.

However, with The Gunners making RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko their priority, Gyokeres feels a move to Old Trafford is now his most likely avenue out of Lisbon.

The outlet writes: "Viktor Gyokeres has put Manchester United into pole position for his signature. The Swedish hitman has U-turned on making Arsenal his priority - re-opening the door on a reunion with Ruben Amorim.

"While new sporting director Andrea Berta has been testing the waters with the Gyokeres camp and Sporting, Arsenal's preferred No. 9 option is RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. A £60m deal is, at this stage, most likely for Arsenal and the RBL forward.

"As such, Gyokeres is increasingly aware that his best bet this summer may be to reunite with former boss Amorim and intermediaries have made contact on the player's behalf to signal he is ready to join the Premier League under-performers."

Gyokeres shows why he's a wanted man as he hits FOUR in a game for Sporting

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Newcastle launch triple swoop

Newcastle have launched a bid to sign Brighton’s Joao Pedro, Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga and Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, claims The Telegraph.

Eddie Howe’s side are yet to make their first move in the summer transfer market but are ready to spend £125 million to land the trio.

"The triple swoop is a hugely ambitious attempt by the club to fill three of their four positional needs this summer and would represent a remarkable piece of business if they can pull it off," notes the outlet.

"Telegraph Sport understands that all three players are interested in the moves and would love to play for manager Eddie Howe.

"Newcastle are believed to have verbally discussed bids of around £50 million for Pedro and are willing to pay around the same for Elanga.

"Newcastle’s offer for Trafford is understood to be around £25 million with add-ons. Negotiations are set to continue with all three targeted clubs currently seeking more money for the players."

'Sensational' Elanga goes the length of the pitch to stun Man Utd with a worldie

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Balotelli set for Spanish third division

Former Manchester City and Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli is set to join a new club - Spanish third division side Real Murcia.

Balotelli, who won the Premier League with City, is a free agent having been released from Serie A side Genoa after making just six appearances.

"Mario Balotelli is poised to plunge his career to new depths - by playing for a third division club in Spain," writes The Sun.

"His agents have now opened talks with Real Murcia, who will remain in the Spanish third tier next season after losing in their promotion playoffs.

"Murcia president Felipe Moreno met Balotelli's advisors in Madrid recently, and went on to discuss the striker's signature with sporting director Asier Goiria.

"Moreno reportedly plans a fresh round of talks about a deal for Balotelli, who will be 35 next month."

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