Arsenal 'hold talks' with Eberechi Eze as Tottenham at risk of transfer hijack

Arsenal could thwart Tottenham's plans with an unexpected bid for Eberechi Eze, having reportedly 'held talks' with the England star's representatives as they seek high-quality attacking signings. The Gunners are on the hunt for a top-notch No. 9 and a left-sided forward to boost their title aspirations next season.

Their search for the latter could lead them into an unexpected contest with their arch-rivals Spurs for Eze. Crystal Palace talisman Eze is on Spurs' shortlist with a deal for Bryan Mbeumo now seeming unlikely. Manchester United look set to land the Brentford winger instead. But Eze, 26, is also on Arsenal's radar as they finalise their own list of attacking targets and The Sun reports that discussions between Andrea Berta and Eze's representatives have already occurred.

It's highlighted that Arsenal have a keen interest in Eze, who has a £68million release clause in his Eagles contract. Given his availability at that price, Eze presents a more affordable option than Real Madrid's Brazilian forward, Rodrygo, whom the Gunners have also been pursuing this summer.

Arsenal's interest will be a fresh setback for Tottenham, who appear likely to miss out on signing Mbeumo. Thomas Frank was eager to bring the Cameroon star with him to north London from Brentford. However, joining Manchester United was always Mbeumo's preference, with a deal now close.

The Gunners are working on numerous deals as it stands, with Martin Zubimendi all but an Arsenal player. He will join from Real Sociedad for around £55m.

Christian Norgaard, the Brentford captain, is also set to undergo a medical to move to the Emirates. Arsenal agreed a deal below £10m with their London rival for the Dane on Wednesday. Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is also poised to join from Chelsea for as little as £5m.

Arsenal also want to bring 20-year-old centre-back Cristhian Mosquera in from Valencia and could pay less than £20m for him. Benjamin Sesko has emerged as the club's top centre-forward target ahead of Viktor Gyokeres.