Gary Lineker ‘gutted’ that Arsenal are signing ‘brilliant’ £67.5m star

Gary Lineker admits he is ‘gutted’ that Arsenal have hijacked Tottenham’s £67.5million transfer for Eberechi Eze.

After months of speculation about his future, Eze looked all set to join Spurs after they finalised a record-breaking deal with Crystal Palace.

However, on Wednesday, after losing Kai Havertz to injury, Arsenal revived their interest in the attacking midfielder, promising to match Tottenham’s bid.

Eze was given the choice of the two North London giants and being a life-long Gunners fan and former academy player, his decision was easy and he is set to undergo a medical with Arsenal on Friday.

The 27-year-old was highly coveted after scoring 14 goals, including the winner in the FA Cup final, and 11 assists last season and will now become Palace’s record sale.

England legend and former Tottenham striker Lineker understands why the Three Lions star snubbed his former team but wishes he hadn’t.

What has Gary Lineker said about Eberechi Eze?

‘Bit of a disaster really for Spurs to lose out. They thought they had their man, but Arsenal have jumped in at the last moment,’ Lineker said on The Rest is Football podcast.

‘Significant coup for them. For Spurs fans, it’ll be hugely disappointing.

‘It’s not the first time it’s happened. It happened with Morgan Gibbs-White as well, very similar circumstances. So, the club’s ended up with a bit of egg on its face at the minute, particularly against the North London rivals.

‘Hugely talented player, brilliant signing for Arsenal. As a former Spurs man, bit gutted to be perfectly honest.

‘But if you consider the fact that he was at Arsenal’s academy, that he’s been an Arsenal player since he was a kid, it’s probably safe to say that he’s… not necessarily his heart has ruled his head, but his heart has won out.’

There has been speculation over where Eze will play in Mikel Arteta’s team given his preferred No.10 role is occupied by captain Martin Odegaard.

It seems more likely he’ll operate on the left-wing and some have suggested that could spell trouble for Gabriel Martinelli.

‘For Arsenal, it’s a great signature and I suspect it fills that void that they have [on the left],’ Lineker added.

‘Not that much confidence perhaps with Martinelli among some fans at Arsenal. And I think Micah [Richards] has said many times that he thinks they need someone that can play on the left.

‘He [Eze] can play there, he can also play in the No.10 role if he has to.’

Eze will not have completed his transfer in time to feature against Leeds United on Saturday evening but could well make his Arsenal debut against Liverpool on August 31.

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