Tottenham Hotspur have accepted that Eberechi Eze is likely to join Arsenal and have shifted their focus to alternative transfer targets.

Spurs had believed they were close to securing a deal with both Crystal Palace and Eze earlier on Wednesday.

However, Arsenal reignited their interest in the 27-year-old midfielder the same day and are now actively pursuing a deal.

According to Sky Sports on Wednesday, Spurs now expect Eze to make the switch to the Emirates.

Eze’s release clause, worth £60m plus £8m in add-ons, expired before the Premier League season started. The 27-year-old has two years left on his contract at Selhurst Park.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Spurs were considering offering Richarlison in a deal for Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze.

That would, in turn, free up striker space to try and sign Yoane Wissa, who played under Thomas Frank at Brentford.

Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi continue to train with Crystal Palace despite speculation linking them with moves away from the club.

Earlier on Wednesday, Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner said that both Eze and Liverpool transfer target Marc Guehi will start in Thursday’s Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad despite continued speculation.

“Many of you were surprised Marc (Guehi) and Ebs (Eze) started and played almost the whole game [at Chelsea],” Glasner told the media at his pre-match press conference. “Most of you will be surprised that they will start again [on Thursday] because of all the rumours.

“But they are committed to the team, they have a contract here. They played a crucial part we could success, and they will play a crucial part as long as they are here.

“They are good, they are committed to the team. When one of the players leaves, they want to leave as the guys who always gave 100 per cent for Crystal Palace. This is what they did since they signed many years ago, and this is what we expect from them until the end of their contract, whenever this is.”