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Inside Eberechi Eze to Arsenal: Last-minute phone call with Arteta, Tim Lewis' role, Josh Kroenke's sign-off

埃泽加盟阿森纳内幕：与阿尔特塔的最后一刻电话、蒂姆·刘易斯的作用、乔什·克伦克的批准

James McNicholas Aug. 24, 2025 12:01 am

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It's not a hijack, it's a love story.

这不是一次截胡，这是一个爱情故事。

On Wednesday, Eberechi Eze was expecting to sign for Tottenham. It was undeniably a good move: a London club, a Champions League club, no less. For his career, it represented a step up.

上周三，埃贝雷奇·埃泽原本预计将签约托特纳姆热刺。不可否认，这是一步好棋：一家伦敦俱乐部，更是欧冠级别的球队。对他的职业生涯而言，这代表着一次提升。

But before he committed, there was one phone call he needed to make. Eze called Mikel Arteta.

但在做出承诺之前，他必须打一个电话。埃泽拨通了米克尔·阿尔特塔的电话。

It was not the first time they had spoken. Arteta and Eze had a conversation at the end of June, when Arsenal first explored a potential deal for the 27-year-old Crystal Palace playmaker. Since then, however, Arsenal's interest had seemingly waned. Tottenham had stepped up their pursuit.

这并非他们首次交谈。六月底，当阿森纳首次探索引进这位27岁水晶宫攻击型中场的可能性时，阿尔特塔就与埃泽有过交流。然而，自那以后，阿森纳的兴趣似乎逐渐冷却。热刺则加强了追求力度。

From a professional perspective, Eze was happy to sign for Spurs. But he had grown up an Arsenal fan. He wept when released from the club's academy aged 13. Before signing anything, Eze needed to know if there was any chance of making a deal with Arsenal happen.

从职业角度看，埃泽乐意签约热刺。但他从小就是阿森纳球迷。13岁时被俱乐部青训学院放弃的他曾为此落泪。在签署任何文件之前，埃泽需要知道是否还有机会与阿森纳达成交易。

Timing is everything, and Eze's couldn't have been better. Arsenal were still reeling from the news that Kai Havertz had been sidelined with a knee injury. They were actively looking for ways to reinforce their attack.

时机就是一切，而埃泽的时机恰到好处。阿森纳当时仍因凯·哈弗茨膝伤缺阵的消息而感到措手不及。他们正积极寻找加强进攻的方法。

Arteta told Eze that Arsenal had a board meeting that afternoon. By the time that meeting had concluded, an ecstatic Eze was informed that the deal was all but done. By Wednesday night, Arsenal had an agreement with Crystal Palace for an initial £60million ($81.2m) with a potential £7.5m in add-ons. Eze's representatives had also agreed personal terms on a four-year contract with the option of a further year.

阿尔特塔告诉埃泽，阿森纳当天下午将召开董事会会议。会议结束时，欣喜若狂的埃泽被告知交易基本达成。截至周三晚间，阿森纳已与水晶宫达成协议，基础转会费为6000万英镑，外加最高可达750万英镑的浮动条款。埃泽的代表也已同意了一份为期四年、附带一年优先续约选项的个人条款。

There was no real tug-of-war with Tottenham. There couldn't be. If Arsenal were at the table, there was only one destination for this player.

与托特纳姆热刺之间并未发生真正的拉锯战。也不可能发生。只要阿森纳加入谈判，这名球员的目的地就只有一个。

As well as speaking to Arteta, Eze lobbied England team-mates at Arsenal to push the club for his arrival. As with Viktor Gyokeres before, Arsenal were struck by a player prepared to do whatever it took to get his preferred move.

除了与阿尔特塔交谈，埃泽还游说了在阿森纳的英格兰队队友，推动俱乐部促成他的加盟。与之前的维克托·约克雷斯情况类似，阿森纳被一名球员为达成心仪转会不惜一切的态度所打动。

For Eze, the transfer is a dream come true. For Arsenal, it's a statement of ambition. When Havertz went down, Arsenal were determined that this would not be another season defined by injuries.

对埃泽而言，这次转会是梦想成真。对阿森纳来说，这是一次雄心的宣告。当哈弗茨受伤时，阿森纳决心不让这个赛季再次被伤病所定义。

After that initial conversation in June, Eze never entirely left Arsenal's thoughts. In the end, they could not resist him. Wresting him away from their local rivals was simply the icing on the cake.

自六月那次初步交谈后，埃泽从未完全离开阿森纳的考虑范围。最终，他们无法抗拒他。从同城对手手中夺走他，不过是锦上添花。

Eze loves Arsenal, but the feeling is mutual. Arteta had grown increasingly enamoured with the attacker, and the club have pushed the boat out to make a deal happen. He brings audacious talent, considerable experience, and the hunger to rewrite his Arsenal story.

埃泽热爱阿森纳，而这份感觉是相互的。阿尔特塔对这位攻击手的喜爱与日俱增，俱乐部也全力推动了交易的达成。他带来了大胆的才华、丰富的经验以及重写自己阿森纳故事的渴望。

To tell the inside story of this transfer, The Athletic has spoken to sources from clubs involved and linked to players, who spoke anonymously to protect relationships.

为讲述这笔转会的内幕故事，《The Athletic》采访了涉及俱乐部及球员方面的消息人士，为保护关系，这些人士均要求匿名。

A player of Eze's calibre was always going to feature on Arsenal's radar. Initially, however, there were other priorities to attend to in the window --- chiefly the acquisition of a new No 9.

像埃泽这个级别的球员始终会在阿森纳的雷达之上。然而，转会窗初期还有其他优先事项需要处理——主要是引进一名新的9号位球员。

When Arsenal first began exploring a potential deal for Eze, it was linked to their contract negotiations with Ethan Nwaneri. While Arsenal were always hopeful Nwaneri would extend, talks reached a delicate stage.

当阿森纳最初开始探索埃泽的潜在交易时，这与他们同伊桑·恩瓦内里的合同谈判有关。尽管阿森纳一直希望恩瓦内里续约，但谈判当时进入了微妙阶段。

Nwaneri had just 12 months to run on his existing deal. With interest in the 18-year-old from the Premier League and abroad, Arsenal were clear that they could not allow him to enter the final year of his contract. The club never wanted to sell Nwaneri, but there were fears it might come to that.

恩瓦内里当时合同仅剩12个月。鉴于英超及国外俱乐部对这位18岁小将的兴趣，阿森纳明确表示不能允许其进入合同年。俱乐部从未想出售恩瓦内里，但曾担心事情可能发展到那一步。

Sensibly, Arsenal began exploring contingencies. They discussed Morgan Rogers and Morgan Gibbs-White, but it was Eze who held the most appeal. In early dialogue between the parties, Eze's personality made a strong impression.

理智地，阿森纳开始探索应急方案。他们讨论过摩根·罗杰斯和摩根·吉布斯-怀特，但埃泽最具吸引力。在早期的对话中，埃泽的个性给人留下了深刻印象。

The clear issue was price. For much of the summer, Eze had a release clause enabling him to leave for a fee of £60million plus £8m in add-ons. Arsenal considered that price steep for a 27-year-old. They hoped to pay closer to £40m, perhaps ranging up to £50m with add-ons. For Palace, that was a no-go.

明显的问题是价格。今年夏季大部分时间，埃泽都拥有一条价值6000万英镑基础费用外加800万英镑浮动条款的解约金条款。阿森纳认为这个价格对一名27岁的球员来说偏高。他们希望支付接近4000万英镑，算上浮动最高或许到5000万英镑。对水晶宫而言，这是不可接受的。

Arsenal's concerns proved to be moot: in the first half of July, they had a breakthrough in contract talks with Nwaneri. The interest in Eze was shelved --- temporarily, at least. Arsenal saw Eze primarily as a central player, and at the time, Arsenal prioritised strengthening the wings. They moved forward with a deal for Noni Madueke, paying an initial £48.5million --- a price they felt was attractive given the market.

阿森纳的顾虑后来被证明是多余的：七月上半月，他们与恩瓦内里的合同谈判取得突破。对埃泽的兴趣被搁置——至少是暂时搁置。阿森纳主要将埃泽视为中路球员，而当时球队优先考虑加强边路。他们推进了诺尼·马杜埃克的交易，支付了4850万英镑的基础费用——他们认为这个价格在市场上很有吸引力。

Arsenal and Tottenham's pursuit of Eze have something in common: they were both accelerated by injury. When James Maddison suffered an ACL injury during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle, Spurs stepped up their interest in the Palace man.

阿森纳和热刺追求埃泽有一个共同点：都因伤病而加速。当詹姆斯·麦迪逊在季前友谊赛对阵纽卡斯尔时遭遇前十字韧带（ACL）损伤后，热刺加强了对这位水晶宫球员的兴趣。

Like Arsenal, Spurs were reluctant to meet the release clause. They started indirect negotiations with Crystal Palace over a fee. The two clubs were initially far apart in their valuations, but they steadily grew closer. By August 15, they were said to be "very close" to an agreement.

与阿森纳一样，热刺也不愿满足解约金条款。他们开始与水晶宫就费用进行间接谈判。两家俱乐部最初的估值相差甚远，但逐渐靠拢。到8月15日，据说他们已经“非常接近”达成协议。

On August 18, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy held face-to-face talks with his Palace counterpart, Steve Parish. They agreed on the broad outline of a deal for £50million with a further £10m in add-ons.

8月18日，热刺主席丹尼尔·列维与水晶宫主席史蒂夫·帕里什举行了面对面会谈。他们就一份基础费用5000万英镑外加1000万英镑浮动条款的交易大体框架达成一致。

The following day, however, the deal took a backwards step. The devil was in the details: while the broad terms were agreed, there was a dispute over the bonus structure. Both sides were frustrated. By Tuesday evening, the deal appeared to be in some jeopardy.

然而次日，交易出现倒退。问题出在细节上：虽然大体条款已商定，但双方在奖金结构上存在分歧。双方都感到沮丧。到周二晚上，这笔交易似乎陷入了一些危机。

On the other side of north London, Arsenal were experiencing problems of their own that evening. Havertz had missed Arsenal's penultimate friendly with a knee issue, but this time, the injury appeared altogether more serious. Scans on Tuesday did not provide a clear timeline for recovery, but Arsenal were concerned. At best, he'd miss weeks --- weeks in which Arsenal face crucial games against Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester City. At worst, it could be months.

在北伦敦的另一边，阿森纳当晚也遇到了自己的问题。哈弗茨此前因膝盖问题错过了阿森纳的倒数第二场友谊赛，但这次伤势看起来严重得多。周二的扫描检查未能提供明确的恢复时间表，但阿森纳感到担忧。往好了说，他将缺席数周——而这期间阿森纳将面对利物浦、纽卡斯尔和曼城的关键比赛。往坏了想，可能需要数月时间。

Losing Havertz for any length of time was a hammer blow. Had he been fully fit, many at Arsenal felt he was in line to start at Old Trafford. Arteta had envisaged relying on the German international while Viktor Gyokeres built up his match fitness.

失去哈弗茨任何一段时间都是沉重打击。如果他完全健康，阿森纳内部许多人认为他本应在老特拉福德首发。阿尔特塔原本设想在维克托·约克雷斯恢复比赛体能期间依赖这位德国国脚。

Arsenal bought Gyokeres to ensure they had real depth and options at centre-forward. A lengthy lay-off for Havertz would put them back where they started. Arsenal recognised they would need to re-enter the market.

阿森纳购买约克雷斯是为了确保在中锋位置上有真正的深度和选择。哈弗茨长期缺阵会使他们回到原点。阿森纳意识到需要重新进入市场。

On Wednesday morning, in an attempt to push through the transfer, Spurs submitted a formal offer which acceded to all of Palace's demands --- including allowing Eze to participate in their UEFA Conference League qualifier on Thursday night. They never heard back. Within hours, Parish had struck a deal with Arsenal.

周三早上，为了推动转会完成，热刺提交了一份正式报价，满足了水晶宫的所有要求——包括允许埃泽参加周四晚的欧协联资格赛。但他们再未收到回复。几小时内，帕里什就与阿森纳达成了协议。

It's well-known that Eze preferred Arsenal. But Palace did too.

众所周知埃泽更偏爱阿森纳。但水晶宫也是如此。

The good relationship between Parish and Arsenal's executive vice-chair Tim Lewis was key. While Arsenal had backed away from Eze, they were able to remain informed on proceedings, perhaps hoping to return if they made sales. Negotiations between Tottenham and Palace had been difficult, and when Lewis and Arsenal came forward as an alternative buyer, Parish was happy to oblige.

帕里什与阿森纳执行副主席蒂姆·刘易斯之间的良好关系是关键。虽然阿森纳此前退出了对埃泽的追求，但他们得以持续了解进展，或许希望在完成球员出售后重返谈判。托特纳姆热刺与水晶宫之间的谈判一直很艰难，当刘易斯和阿森纳作为替代买家出现时，帕里什很乐意配合。

Arsenal had discussed a number of options to replace Havertz. They toyed with the idea of a No 9, but knew that would create congestion when Havertz returned. Some lobbied for a left-winger, with Rodrygo of Real Madrid once again discussed.

阿森纳讨论过多个替代哈弗茨的选择。他们考虑过引进9号位球员的想法，但知道这会在哈弗茨回归后造成位置拥挤。有些人游说引进左边锋，皇家马德里的罗德里戈再次被讨论。

But it was Eze who won out. He had left a big impression on Arteta, and Arsenal decided he could bring qualities they did not have elsewhere in the squad.

但最终胜出的是埃泽。他给阿尔特塔留下了深刻印象，阿森纳认定他能带来球队其他位置所不具备的特质。

Once approval had been received from Arsenal's owners --- co-chairman Josh Kroenke is in Europe for the start of the Premier League season and signed off on behalf of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment --- they proceeded with a bid. Spurs had been negotiating for weeks --- Arsenal struck their deal in less than 24 hours.

一旦获得阿森纳所有者（共同主席乔什·克伦克为英超开赛来到欧洲，并代表克伦克体育娱乐公司批准了交易）的同意，他们便提交了报价。热刺谈判了数周——而阿森纳在不到24小时内就达成了交易。

Arsenal know what it feels like to be in Tottenham's position. In January 2023, they were gazumped in a similar fashion by Chelsea for Mykhailo Mudryk. This time, the shoe is on the other foot.

阿森纳知道处于热刺位置是何感受。2023年1月，他们就在米哈伊洛·穆德里克的争夺中被切尔西以类似方式截胡。这一次，情况反了过来。

For Palace, the outcome was ideal. The final agreement was for an initial £60million with a further £7.5m in possible add-ons --- virtually the same as the release clause that expired before the start of the Premier League season. Palace had benefited from the interest of two parties in Eze.

对水晶宫而言，结果非常理想。最终的协议是基础费用6000万英镑，外加可能达到750万英镑的浮动条款——这实际上与英超赛季开始前到期的解约金条款金额基本相同。水晶宫从两家俱乐部对埃泽的兴趣中获益。

Arsenal also agreed that Eze would be available to play against Fredrikstad on Thursday night, scheduling his medical for the following day.

阿森纳也同意埃泽可以参加周四晚对阵弗雷德里克斯塔德的比赛，并将他的体检安排在了次日。

Arsenal's willingness to spend big on Eze before securing any significant sales has surprised many. Arsenal have spent almost £70million on a player they allowed to leave their academy for nothing. Even internally, some urged caution. Arsenal are sailing ever closer to the wind on UEFA's squad cost ratio legislation.

阿森纳在未确保任何重大球员出售收入的情况下就愿意为埃泽花费巨资，这让许多人感到惊讶。阿森纳为一名当年免费放离青训学院的球员支付了近7000万英镑。即便在俱乐部内部，也有人敦促谨慎行事。阿森纳在欧足联的球队成本比率规则方面正走得越来越险。

But Arsenal have taken an aggressive approach this summer. This was not, they deemed, the time for hesitation.

但阿森纳今年夏天采取了激进策略。他们认为，此刻不是犹豫的时候。

Eze, who will wear the No 10 shirt, is another Tier 1 addition to the Arsenal squad --- a player with the quality to be a starter. He is well-known to many of the group through the England squad. He brings creativity, flair, and end product, with 14 domestic goals and 11 assists for Palace last season.

将身披10号球衣的埃泽，是阿森纳阵容的又一顶级补充——一名具备首发实力的球员。通过英格兰队，他为队内许多球员所熟知。他带来了创造力、天赋和终结能力，上赛季为水晶宫在国内赛事中打入14球并贡献11次助攻。

He offers tactical intelligence, too. Under Oliver Glasner, he has shown an ability to thrive in a nuanced system.

他还具备战术智慧。在奥利弗·格拉斯纳麾下，他展现了在复杂体系中茁壮成长的能力。

He is not a direct replacement for Havertz, but he has the versatility to offer a number of potential solutions. Despite originally envisaging him as a central player, Arsenal are giving consideration to using Eze off the left. His presence in the squad also liberates the likes of Leandro Trossard and Mikel Merino to fill in for Havertz when required.

他并非哈弗茨的直接替代者，但他的多面手特性可以提供多种潜在的解决方案。尽管最初将他设想为中路球员，阿森纳也在考虑让埃泽踢左路。他在阵容中的存在也解放了莱安德罗·特罗萨德和米克尔·梅里诺等球员，在需要时填补哈弗茨的空缺。

In the end, Eze did not play against Fredrikstad. On Thursday morning, he explained to Glasner that he did not feel able to play. His mind was elsewhere. His heart, too.

最终，埃泽并未出战对阵弗雷德里克斯塔德的比赛。周四早上，他向格拉斯纳解释说自己感觉无法上场。他的心思在别处。他的心也是。

Arsenal have not just bought Eze. They have brought him home.

阿森纳不仅仅是买下了埃泽。他们是带他回家了。

It was nearly Spurs, but it was always Arsenal.

险些是热刺，但注定是阿森纳。