Arsenal's Eberechi Eze transfer deadline missed as star forced into frustrating wait

Arsenal supporters will have to bide their time before witnessing Eberechi Eze's debut in a Gunners shirt, as his transfer from Crystal Palace was not fully approved before the 12pm deadline required for him to play this weekend.

The Gunners have outmanoeuvred rivals Tottenham to secure the services of Eze, although no official announcement has been made at the time of writing. Arsenal have snatched Eze right under Spurs' nose, but the England international is not expected to feature at the Emirates on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta's squad will host newly promoted Leeds in north London for the 5.30pm kick-off. However, they won't be able to utilise Eze, as any new signings need to be registered by midday on Friday to be eligible for selection.

The deal is progressing as anticipated, with an announcement expected over the weekend. This suggests that the 27-year-old could make his debut in the crucial early-season match at Liverpool on August 31.

A victory at Anfield could set a positive tone for Arsenal's season, and Eze could be instrumental in achieving this.

Arsenal's first encounter with Palace this year is scheduled for October 25 when the Eagles visit the Emirates, potentially marking Eze's first match against his former team. Eze's return to Selhurst Park could occur on the final day of the league season.

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The winger, who has just enjoyed the best goalscoring season of his career with the Eagles, would be the latest major recruit to head to north London after Arteta already signed the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke in recent months.

Arsenal's appetite to secure Eze was driven by the recent injury to Kai Havertz, which will keep him sidelined.

Arteta's squad had been eager to land the winger throughout the summer and moved decisively when Tottenham appeared to have secured the deal.

Eze will strengthen an attacking lineup that already features the talents of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.

Having rejected the opportunity to join Tottenham, he could feature in a north London derby for the first time in late November, which will take place at the Emirates.

Former Gunner Paul Merson has endorsed Eze's arrival to deliver Arsenal their first title since 2004.

"I think Arsenal win the league with Eze. They had a chance without him because it's a real heads or tails season with Liverpool, and Man City played well on the opening weekend, but Eze help get them over the line," he said.