Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace in a deal worth up to £67.5 million, hijacking Tottenham’s long pursuit of the England international and childhood Gunner.The

Last week Daily Mail Sport revealed that the Brazilian's agent had jetted in from South America with a view to getting a deal over the line before the window shuts.

Eberechi Eze then took his seat to watch his new teammates hammer Leeds, and his response to the third goal – scored by Viktor Gyokeres – was particularly telling.

Newcastle are under pressure to sign a new striker this summer. Callum Wilson was released following the expiration of his contract, but Eddie Howe’s side were forced to start the season without a recognised centre forward after Isak began his own protest over his desired move to Liverpool.

Eze had looked Spurs-bound after they spent 10 days negotiating over a deal worth £55million plus add-ons - only for Arsenal to sneak in at the last minute with a bid worth £60m.

Eberechi Eze is close to joining Tottenham after Arsenal backed out of the race. The England international is expected to start for Crystal Palace in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad on Thursday before sealing a £60m move to Spurs.