Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
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Arsenal are preparing to go head-to-head with North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, according totalkSPORT.
The Gunners have identified the England international as a key target this summer, with sporting director Andrea Berta already holding talks with one of the player’s representatives.
Eze, who turns 27 on Sunday, is being closely considered by Arsenal, but Berta is reportedly working to convince the club’s hierarchy to sanction a deal that could rise to £68 million. Concerns have been raised internally over committing to two major signings in that age bracket, with 27-year-old Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres also on the club’s radar.
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko remains Arsenal’s top striker target, but with competition from Manchester United and Liverpool, the Gunners are keeping their options open including Gyökeres and now Eze.
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According to transfer insider Team News and Tix, Arsenal are close to agreeing personal terms with Eze, who is said to be eager to join Mikel Arteta’s squad. The proposed contract is already in place, but the deal’s completion hinges on reaching an agreement with Crystal Palace over the structure of the transfer fee. Palace are reportedly demanding three installments of £20 million, plus £8 million in add-ons, totaling the player’s £68 million release clause.
🚨Arsenal have an agreement on personal terms with Eberechi Eze and the 0 wants the move.
Crystal Palace price is three instalments of £20million with £8million in add-ons.
However with the way Andrea Berta operates this could just be a back-up plan for the club’s number… pic.twitter.com/3muaYZFJuK
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) June 26, 2025
While a left winger was initially viewed as a secondary priority behind signing a striker, Arsenal are now aiming to strengthen in both areas. However, the financial commitment to Eze could limit the club’s flexibility in pursuing a marquee forward signing.
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Eze, who netted the winner for Palace in last month’s FA Cup final, has two years remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park. His profile, creatively dynamic and Premier League-proven fits Arsenal’s system, but the hefty price tag remains a sticking point.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are pushing forward on several fronts. Deals for midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, as well as Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, are expected to be finalised in the coming days.
In defence, the Gunners are working to beat Real Madrid to the signing of 20-year-old Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera. The Spain Under-21 international, entering the final year of his contract, is being lined up as a backup for William Saliba.
Arsenal have already parted ways with Jorginho and Kieran Tierney, while Thomas Partey is also expected to depart when his contract expires next week.
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