Eberechi Eze’s dreams have become a reality. Released by Arsenal when he was just 13, it has taken 14 years for him to return to the club he has cherished his entire life, now back in the iconic red shirt.

The experience seems almost destined. As Eze made his first appearance before the Emirates crowd on Saturday afternoon in the lead-up to Arsenal’s match against Leeds, he shook his head in disbelief while grinning broadly, visibly thrilled to be a Gunner once again.

And indeed, he is. On Wednesday, Arsenal’s executive Tim Lewis contacted Steve Parish, the chairman of Crystal Palace, confirming they would pay the £60 million fee plus an additional £8 million in add-ons, effectively ending Tottenham’s extended interest.

For Eze, an Arsenal supporter since his youth, who looked up to Thierry Henry, this offer was unparalleled. He still treasures the long-sleeved O2-branded jersey from his childhood and has reflected on being released from the academy as ‘a massive shake-up.’

In his words during an interview with Men in Blazers: ‘All my friends were still there securing contracts, and I was among the few let go. It’s a big part of your identity. I was the guy playing for Arsenal, and losing that was undoubtedly a huge adjustment.’

Now, nearly 20 years later, he’s officially returned to the club. The radiant smile he showed at the Emirates during his unveiling clearly demonstrated why this moment felt like destiny for the 27-year-old.

Arsenal had initially cooled their interest in Eze while they tied down teenage star Ethan Nwaneri to a new five-year deal. 

Eze is the epitome of authentic football. He is simply glorious to watch; the way he glides across the pitch, feints to get past defenders, and on many occasions, arcs stunning strikes into the back of the net. The word ‘magician’ comes to mind. 

Last season, the Palace man really grew into himself under Oliver Glasner, reaching the potential that many knew he had from his days wearing the hoops of QPR. He was once criticised for lacking confidence in big moments, but they were crushed by his two scintillating performances at Wembley last season.

It’s clear to see why both Tottenham and Arsenal want the player; why wouldn’t they? He can drift out wide, play behind the striker, float in the hole – Eze just needs space to express himself.

Kai Havertz’s knee injury in Sunday’s win at Manchester United prompted the Gunners’ hierarchy to accelerate their plans. Within 72 hours, the green light had come from Josh Kroenke and Lewis made his call to Parish. 

Spurs had believed they were close, even agreeing personal terms and tabling a £55m bid plus add-ons. But once Arsenal stepped in, there was only ever going to be one destination.

Arsenal fans have already immortalised Eze before even kicking a ball; a mural of him in a Gunners shirt appeared overnight on a tunnel wall near the Emirates.

The winger has been outstanding in South London and his versatility makes him an ideal fit for Arteta. Eze is one of those players who doesn’t need stats to show you how brilliant he is; just watching him in action will get you on your feet. However, his numbers are still rather impressive.

Eze’s eight league goals last season matched Gabriel Martinelli’s return and left him just one behind Kai Havertz, despite playing fewer minutes. He also chipped in with eight assists, level with Martin Odegaard and only two shy of Bukayo Saka’s team-leading 10.

Indeed, even after bringing in the likes of Noni Madueke, who can play down the left, as well as the right, not a single member of Arsenal’s wing contingent, or attacking midfielders, outscored Eze last season.

His underlying numbers highlight just how dangerous he is. Eze’s expected goals tally of 10.5 was higher than any Arsenal forward, including Havertz and Saka. 

He also took more shots per game (3.0) than any of Arteta’s attackers and completed more successful dribbles (2.0) than Saka, Martinelli or Trossard.

Creatively, he is not far off Arsenal’s most productive players. He averaged 1.7 key passes per game, just behind Saka (2.4) and Odegaard (2.1), but ahead of Martinelli, Trossard and Jesus. 

His overall Sofascore rating of 7.28 would have placed him as the third most effective Arsenal forward last season, behind only Saka and Odegaard.

Arsenal’s commercial growth has given them room to manoeuvre in the market, though departures are expected before the window shuts. Reiss Nelson and Jakub Kiwior could both move on, while Porto are admirers of Oleksandr Zinchenko.

For Palace, who fought hard to keep him, there will be a sting in losing their talisman. For Arsenal, this is more than a signing. It is the fulfilment of a dream for a player who once sobbed in his bedroom when he was let go, and who now has the chance to become the ‘guy who plays for Arsenal’ all over again.

At Tottenham’s end, there is frustration. They had pursued Eze hard, not least because of the injury that has ruled James Maddison out for much of the season. With Son Heung-min now plying his trade in MLS, Thomas Frank wanted a creative force to rebuild his forward line around.

Talks had progressed with Palace, and Spurs even explored offering Richarlison as part of the deal to ease negotiations. But their failure to close the transfer will sting, particularly as Eze was seen as the perfect candidate to step into Maddison’s shoes and fill the No 10 role.

Instead, Tottenham are back to square one in the market. Their interest now turns towards alternatives such as Manchester City winger Savinho and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, though both would be difficult to prise away before the window closes.

And with the Gunners suffering further injuries in Saturday’s win – with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard picking up knocks – Arteta will hope the Premier League-proven Eze can hit the ground running.