It all happened in a few whirlwind hours.

Earlier on Wednesday, it looked as though the 27-year-old Eze would be heading to the white side of north London.

But the deal was not completed.

And the reason was Palace’s Europa Conference League play-off match with Fredrikstad on Thursday.

The Eagles wanted to keep Eze for a game they view as pivotal to their season, and one they did not want to tackle without having a replacement in place.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner was strong in his pre-match press conference saying that Eze and Marc Guehi, who has also been linked with a move away, were ‘committed’ to the team.

Over at the Emirates Stadium a sub plot was brewing.

Arsenal were holding an open training session at their ground which did not feature Kai Havertz. It was later revealed the German international was being assessed for a knee injury.

Despite the exact severity of the injury being unclear, Arsenal knew enough to make a move.

Hours later on Wednesday afternoon, Arsenal bid for Eze, deciding to act on their long-standing interest in the player.

With Eze being a boyhood Arsenal fan who played in their academy, it was an easy decision for the player.

By 19:30 BST the news of the transfer swoop emerged in the media, with sources briefing that there was nothing Spurs could have done to make the transfer happen due to that emotional connection.

And that element – Eze turning down Tottenham – is sure to make him an instant fan favourite at Arsenal.

Why did they leave it so late?

Arsenal had seen Eze as more of a number 10 and, with Ethan Nwaneri securing his future to the club with a long-term contract, they had to think carefully about exactly how the England international would fit in.

But it seems the Havertz injury meant they decided he was needed in their squad after all.

It is currently unclear if Eze will still play in the Europa Conference play-off for Palace on Thursday.

But, should he come through that game unscathed, he is certain to sign for the Gunners in the next few days, completing a full-circle moment in re-joining the club he was released by at 13.