Arsenal's eleventh-hour swoop for Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, snatching him from under the noses of their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, is the latest in a long line of dramatic transfer hijacks in Premier League history. The Gunners have reportedly agreed to a £67.5 million deal for the Crystal Palace forward, subject to a medical, after Tottenham seemed to be in pole position to secure his signature. This transfer coup has not only sent Arsenal fans into a frenzy but also serves as a timely reminder of some of the most unforgettable transfer sagas in English football.
Here's a look at seven of the best transfer hijacks in Premier League history, Eze's move included:
Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace to Arsenal, 2025): In the most recent example, Arsenal appears to have stolen Eze from under Tottenham's nose. The Gunners will pay a guaranteed £60 million plus £7.5 million in add-ons for the forward. Eze was reportedly excited about joining Tottenham, but his dream was a move to Arsenal. Arsenal's late move was accelerated by an injury to Kai Havertz.
Roy Keane (Nottingham Forest to Manchester United, 1993): Keane had a handshake agreement with Blackburn Rovers and Kenny Dalglish. However, Sir Alex Ferguson intervened, convincing Keane to join Manchester United. Dalglish was furious, but Keane chose United, where he went on to become a legend.
John Obi Mikel (Lyn Oslo to Chelsea, 2006): This transfer was one of the most bizarre in football history. Manchester United even held a press conference with Mikel, announcing his arrival. However, Chelsea claimed they had previously signed him, leading to a protracted legal battle. Eventually, Chelsea secured his signature.
Willian (Anzhi Makhachkala to Chelsea, 2013): Willian had completed a medical at Tottenham and was set to sign for the club. However, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich intervened, and Willian made a dramatic U-turn to join the Blues. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was reportedly furious.
Cody Gakpo (PSV Eindhoven to Liverpool, 2022): Manchester United, managed by Erik ten Hag, were heavily linked with Gakpo. However, Liverpool swooped in to sign the Dutch winger in a surprise move. Gakpo's arrival at Anfield was a significant coup for Jurgen Klopp's side.
Mykhailo Mudryk (Shakhtar Donetsk to Chelsea, 2023): Arsenal were the frontrunners to sign Mudryk, with the player reportedly keen on a move to the Emirates. However, Chelsea offered Shakhtar more money and Mudryk bigger wages, convincing him to join the Blues. Despite the high expectations, Mudryk has struggled to make a significant impact at Stamford Bridge.
Paul Gascoigne (Newcastle United to Tottenham Hotspur, 1988): Gascoigne had agreed to join Manchester United after speaking with Sir Alex Ferguson. However, Tottenham chairman Irving Scholar offered Gascoigne's family a house and his sister a sunbed, convincing him to move to White Hart Lane. Ferguson later admitted that missing out on Gascoigne was one of his biggest regrets.
These transfer hijacks highlight the unpredictable nature of football and the importance of acting swiftly and decisively in the transfer market. Arsenal's capture of Eberechi Eze is a testament to their ambition and could prove to be a game-changer as they aim to compete for major honors. It also serves as a painful reminder to Tottenham fans that, in football, nothing is certain until the ink is dry.
