Arsenal deadline for Eberechi Eze to face Leeds United explained after stunning transfer swoop

Arsenal face a race against time to get Eberechi Eze signed and registered to make his debut against Leeds United on Saturday. Mikel Arteta's side have reached an agreement in principle to sign Eze, 27, from Crystal Palace.

Tottenham had emerged as the frontrunners to secure Eze's signature after holding further talks with Palace on Wednesday, football.london understands. However, Arsenal then stepped up their interest and hijack a move for the England international, who has made it clear his preference is the red half of north London.

The deal is worth in the region of the expired £68 million release clause in Eze's contract, matching the level of fee Tottenham were prepared to pay and the player has agreed personal terms.

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Eze is expected to play for Palace against Fredrikstad in the Conference League play-off on Thursday before undergoing his medical and putting the finishing touches on a move to Arsenal.

But, should the Gunners want Eze available for their Premier League game against Leeds on Saturday (5:30pm kick-off), they need to get him registered by Friday at 12pm.

Rule U.23 of the Premier League handbook states: "Subject to the provisions of Rule V.1, the deadline for receipt by the Board of all duly completed documents required by these Rules to effect the registration of a Player shall be 12 noon on the last Working Day before the date of the first League Match in which the Club making the application intends him to play, save that the international transfer certificate and evidence of eligibility to take up employment in the United Kingdom (in both cases if applicable) may be provided thereafter (but must be provided before the Player is eligible to play for a Club in a League Match."

If Eze doesn't play against Leeds this weekend, his likely debut will be at Anfield, as the Gunners travel to Liverpool for a blockbuster Premier League affair on Sunday, August 31.

Eze started and played the full 90 minutes for Palace during their 0-0 draw at Chelsea on Sunday and is set to bid farewell to the Selhurst Park faithful as the Eagles prepare for their first-ever European tie.

Speaking on Eze and defender Marc Guehi, who has been subject to interest from Liverpool, Oliver Glasner confirmed both players would be available for selection against Fredrikstad.

"Many of you were surprised they started against Chelsea," Glasner said on Wednesday. "You may be surprised they will start tomorrow because of all the rumours.

"But they are committed to the team, they have a contract here and want to play a crucial part in our success.

"They will play a crucial part for as long as they are here. If they leave, they want to leave as the guys who gave 100 per cent to Crystal Palace. This is what they have done since they signed many years ago and this is what we expect from them until the end."