Arsenal 'ready to rival Tottenham for the signing of Eberechi Eze' - as Gunners' chief 'holds talks with £68m Crystal Palace star's representatives'

Arsenal are prepared to go head-to-head with north London rivals Tottenham for the signing of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, according to a report. 

Reports this week claimed that Spurs were interested in paying the England international's £68million buy-out clause as they look to strengthen their options in attack. 

With Tottenham welcoming yet another new manager this summer in former Brentford boss Thomas Frank, they appear keen on signing another attacker. 

According to the Sun, Arsenal are ready to fight for the 26-year-old's signature and have held talks with representatives of the Palace star. 

The Gunners' priority in the summer market remains a central striker and it is understood that they will pursue a deal for either RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko - considered to be their No 1 target - or Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres. 

Though links to left-wingers have persisted in the early weeks of the transfer window. 

Arsenal have been active in the market and are closing in on a third addition, with the Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard all expected to be at the Emirates next season. 

The club have also stepped up their interest in Spanish defender Christian Mosquera. 

But supporters will be desperate for their side to snap up attacking options ahead of a defining season, given their failure to secure major silverware in the last five seasons. 

Eze, whose winning goal in the FA Cup final saw Palace clinch their first-ever major trophy, has played the majority of his minutes for the Eagles in a central position but he is also comfortable on the left.

Last term, he scored eight goals and registered eight assists in the Premier League as Oliver Glasner's men secured a 12th-place finish.