Arsenal's superior incentives reportedly played a crucial role in their bid to sign Eberechi Eze as they prepare to pip rivals Tottenham to his signature. The Gunners proposed more achievable bonus conditions and a faster payment package to persuade Crystal Palace to sell to them.

Mikel Arteta's squad is set to be strengthened by the £67.5million arrival of the England international following a breakthrough on Wednesday. The situation developed after it was revealed Arsenal attacker Kai Havertz is set for a stint on the sidelines following a knee injury. Reports suggest Greenwich-born Eze favoured a move to Arsenal over Spurs. It now appears the Gunners will secure their target after outbidding Tottenham with a package that Palace will find more attractive.

Tottenham reportedly stepped up their own efforts to recruit Eze after James Maddison suffered an ACL tear in pre-season. However, the loss of Havertz for at least the next few weeks seems to have compelled Arsenal to enhance the terms on offer.

Sky Sports reported on Thursday that Arsenal will pay Palace a guaranteed £60m, plus an additional £7.5m in add-ons. The player's contract had a £68m release clause (£60m plus £8m in add-ons), which expired when the Premier League season commenced.

Arteta and Arsenal's sporting director, Andrea Berta, reportedly met with Eze in early July to discuss his potential transfer. The player was allegedly convinced by the move, but the Gunners didn't submit a formal offer until this week.

Arsenal are now on the brink of agreeing personal terms with the player before finalising the deal. It's understood Spurs have already withdrawn their interest and are now exploring other options for an attacking midfielder.

Tottenham were thought to be preparing a player-plus-cash offer that would have sweetened the deal for Palace. Forward Richarlison was being suggested as a potential part of the deal, but they seem to have conceded defeat in the chase.

Eze, 27, is said to be eager to stay in Palace's squad for Thursday's Europa Conference League match against Fredrikstad, but the club might yet withdraw him to ensure he's fit for a sale. After five years at Selhurst Park, it's suggested the player wants to say his goodbyes and pay his respects to the fans properly.

FA Cup-winner Eze has earned 12 caps for England and will join international team-mates Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Ben White and Myles Lewis-Skelly in north London. He'll also get to make his Champions League debut this season, provided the move goes ahead as planned.

The lifelong Arsenal fan previously played in the club's academy as a youngster. However, he was released before joining the youth teams at Fulham, Reading and Millwall in his teens.