For Spurs, the collapse of the deal is a bitter pill. Thomas Frank had identified Eze as a priority signing, and his sudden loss to their fiercest rivals not only dents their recruitment plans but also hands Arsenal a symbolic victory in the north London rivalry.

Merson’s remarks follow reports on Thursday claiming that Mikel Arteta’s side have agreed a £67.5m deal to secure the England international from Crystal Palace

Steve Nicol explains why signing Eberechi Eze is a "no-brainer" for Arsenal.