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.

Paul Merson has told Arsenal the “pressure is on” if they don’t win the Premier League this season as Eberechi Eze was the “missing piece” for them.

Eberechi Eze has not been named in the Crystal Palace squad to face Fredrikstad as he closes in on his move to Arsenal. He will have a chance to say his goodbyes at Selhurst Park, though, as he watches from the stands. His medical at Arsenal is booked for Friday.

Wright, as Eze hopes to imminently do, trod the now legendary path from south London to Arsenal. He has London spirit. London energy. London style. His personality, as well as his ability, is a big part of the attraction, and the connections he already shares with England team-mates at Arsenal ensure he would be welcomed with open arms.