Eberechi Eze, the dazzling Crystal Palace star, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most sought-after talents, proving German skeptics wrong after they underestimated him during England’s Euro 2024 campaign. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder, now a prime target for Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, has outshone Jack Grealish, who recently joined Everton on a season-long loan from Manchester City. Eze’s meteoric rise, capped by his pivotal role in Palace’s historic Community Shield triumph over Liverpool on August 9, 2025, has left Germany’s national team stars red-faced for doubting his prowess compared to Grealish, once seen as England’s flair-driven talisman.
Last summer, when Gareth Southgate named his England squad for Euro 2024, the decision to include Eze over Grealish sparked debate. German players, according to insiders, were “stunned” by the choice, believing Grealish’s ability to “provoke fear in opposition when he runs at them” made him the bigger threat. “The players took the news respectfully,” Southgate said, defending his call. “We have players who have been playing extremely well all season, and we just feel other players have had stronger seasons, particularly in the last six months or so.” Eze, then on the cusp of stardom at Palace, justified Southgate’s faith with a sparkling performance in a 3-0 friendly win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, though he played just 100 minutes in the tournament. Meanwhile, Grealish’s omission marked the beginning of a downward spiral, culminating in his loan move to Everton after starting only seven Premier League games for City last season.
Eze’s 2024-25 season has been a revelation. His 14 goals and 11 assists last term, including a decisive strike in Palace’s FA Cup final victory, showcased his flair, vision, and composure. At Wembley, he kept his cool in the Community Shield shootout, despite a saved spot-kick, helping Palace secure a 2-2 draw and eventual triumph. “I love the way Eze plays at Palace at this moment in time,” said former Arsenal star Theo Walcott, who cautioned against a move to Arsenal due to the intense pressure of a title chase. “He’s a player that can take those risks at Palace. I don’t think he’ll get that at Arsenal.” Yet, Eze’s versatility—able to play as a No. 10, left winger, or in transition—has made him a dream fit for Mikel Arteta’s squad, which has already spent £208 million on six signings, including Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Eze, whose £68 million release clause expired on August 15, 2025, has intensified, with reports indicating a £60 million bid is imminent, contingent on offloading Fabio Vieira to Stuttgart. “Arsenal have agreed the finances to sign Eberechi Eze,” noted a transfer insider, highlighting the Gunners’ determination to outmaneuver Tottenham, who have opened talks with Palace. Eze’s preference for Arsenal, where the No. 10 shirt—last worn by Emile Smith Rowe—awaits, gives them an edge. However, Tottenham’s interest, spurred by James Maddison’s knee injury, adds urgency. “Eze is a player that can play every week,” Walcott added, warning that the World Cup year could sway Eze to stay at Palace for guaranteed minutes. Former Gunner Mikael Silvestre echoed concerns, saying, “I don’t think it’d be good for him, to be honest, because there is so much competition at Arsenal.”
Grealish, meanwhile, is fighting to revive his career at Everton. “I’m over the moon to have signed for Everton—it’s massive for me,” he said, embracing the chance to play under David Moyes. His 39 England caps contrast with Eze’s 13, but his absence from Thomas Tuchel’s squads since Euro 2024 underscores his dip in form. “He’s a very unique player who can handle big pressure,” Tuchel said of Grealish, urging him to rack up minutes. Eze, however, has thrived under Tuchel, scoring in a 3-0 win over Latvia and earning a full 90 minutes against Senegal.
As Arsenal and Tottenham vie for Eze, his trajectory continues to soar. Palace chairman Steve Parish, reflecting on the transfer buzz, said, “Players come and go in football clubs, you know, it’s a life cycle. Hopefully they’re still here.” With the Premier League season kicking off against Manchester United on August 16, Arsenal’s pursuit of Eze could define their title ambitions. For now, Eze’s dazzling displays have silenced his doubters, proving he’s not just a match for Grealish but a star ready to shine on a bigger stage.
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