Sol Campbell compares his move to Eze’s after Tottenham snub

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·29 August 2025

Sol Campbell compares his move to Eze’s after Tottenham snub

Eberechi Eze’s transfer to Arsenal from Crystal Palace has a twist that may remind some fans of Arsenal’s historic signing of Sol Campbell as a free agent from Tottenham in 2001. Campbell had progressed through the ranks at Tottenham and represented the club for a decade, making it one of the last moves anyone would have expected. Nevertheless, he joined Arsenal, a decision that continues to spark criticism and debate among supporters to this day.

This summer, Eze mirrored a similar narrative after coming close to signing for Tottenham. The attacker had reached an agreement with the Lilywhites while Arsenal focused on other signings. However, Eze ultimately contacted the Gunners, who acted quickly to secure his services, resulting in his move to the Emirates instead.

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Comparing Eze’s Move to Campbell’s

While Campbell’s transfer remains one of the most talked-about moves in North London football history, Eze’s switch illustrates that such decisions continue to provoke discussion, albeit on a smaller scale. As quoted by Metro Sport, Campbell reflected on the comparison, saying:

‘I’m sure he will get some stick, but it won’t compare to what I got when I returned to Spurs as an Arsenal player. That wouldn’t be allowed to happen these days.

‘What happened back then has been shut down and no-one wants to talk about it anymore. I still get abuse now and it will never stop.’

The defender’s experience highlights the lasting impact of crossing fierce local rivalries, yet it also demonstrates how professional decisions can shape club fortunes. For Eze, the move represents a significant step in his career, allowing him to join a club competing consistently for trophies while also illustrating the ongoing competition between Arsenal and Tottenham in the transfer market.

Eberechi Eze (Arsenal.com)

Arsenal’s Advantage Over Tottenham

This summer’s transactions show that Arsenal continue to be an attractive destination for players, often outweighing Tottenham in their recruitment battles. The Eze transfer, alongside other similar moves, underlines a pattern where many players ultimately choose to join the Gunners when faced with the option of moving to their North London rivals. Such signings not only strengthen Arsenal’s squad but also reinforce the club’s ability to outmanoeuvre Tottenham in high-profile transfer negotiations.

These developments reinforce the notion that, even decades later, Arsenal maintain a persuasive appeal to talent across English football, sustaining a tradition of strategic recruitment that has long shaped the club’s competitive identity.

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