Arsenal in talks to sign Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze as Mikel Arteta targets summer raid that could transform midfield by the 2025/26 campaign. The Gunners have been monitoring Eze for months but it appears that they are starting to firm up their interest in the England international.
Arsenal Eye Creative Spark as Eberechi Eze Talks Progress
As Arsenal’s 2025/26 refurb starts to gather pace, the Gunners have earmarked midfielder Eberechi Eze as a priority to add depth to their attacking midfield. Arsenal officials reportedly held encouraging talks with the player’s camp this week, as sporting director Andrea Berta continues driving efforts to add fresh attacking flair to north London.
Arsenal view Eze as an ideal fit for Arteta’s developing style, with his technical quality, press resistance, and ability to glide past opponents centrally and wide. At just 26, Eze is approaching his peak and has caught the eye of scouts with displays for both Crystal Palace and the England national team.
Though Eze began his youth career with Arsenal before being released at 13, the North London club now aim to complete the full circle by re-signing the dynamic playmaker. His release clause sits around £60–70 million, and Arsenal are pushing to structure a deal with performance-based add-ons to manage the cost.
Arteta, who craves greater unpredictability and composure in congested games, views Eze as an attractive parallel figure to Martin Ødegaard or alternative in a high-possessing side. With the exit of fringe players creating a vacancy on the wage bill and space in the squad, the move is both financially viable and tactically sound.
Palace Hold Firm as Suitors Circle for Star Asset
Palace are desperate not to lose their midfield powerhouse, but they are fully aware of the lure of Champions League football and international aspirations with England. Eze was a key figure in Palace’s mid-table security last season, scoring 11 goals and providing 4 assists in 32 appearances, including a winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Palace boss Oliver Glasner is keen to retain the nucleus of his team, particularly after seeing star man Michael Olise join Bayern Munich earlier in the window. But Palace may need to consider any offer that activates Eze’s clause or comes close, especially if he signals a desire to leave.
While Eze hasn’t publicly pushed for a move, sources close to him say he’s open to stepping up—if promised game time and tactical clarity. Arsenal are ready to meet those demands with Arteta reportedly outlining Eze’s potential role at the club.
Other clubs, including Manchester City and Tottenham, remain interested, but Arsenal continue to bid hardest. Club sources are confident they can wrap up a deal to sign him before pre-season kicks off next month, as they maintain steady momentum in negotiations with his camp.
Author’s Opinion
From a purely tactical standpoint, signing Eberechi Eze would be another sensible move for Arsenal, tactically speaking. He’s not just flair and flicks — he provides end product, tactical versatility and composure under pressure to supplement the current midfield core. It’s a hefty price tag, but the market has demonstrated that proven Premier League quality doesn’t come cheap, particularly among English talent.
The only risk comes from the degree to which Eze can hit the ground running with Arsenal’s possession-heavy, high-tempo style. But given Arteta’s history of developing creative players, this feels more like a calculated gamble and less like a reckless splurge. Get this deal done early and embed him properly, and Eze might be the X-factor in tight, low-block games the Arsenal have been crying out for.
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