Arsenal - Andrea Berta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have intensified their interest in Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, withThe Athletic reporting that the Gunners held a crucial meeting with the player’s representatives to discuss a potential summer move.
During the talks, Arsenal were made fully aware of the England international’s wage demands and the specifics of his £68 million release clause. The club is reportedly keen to negotiate a deal below that figure, which, if met in full, would allow for a relatively straightforward transfer process.
Eze, 27, has emerged as one of Mikel Arteta’s priority targets as the Arsenal manager looks to reinforce his attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Last season’s title bid faltered due to injuries to key players including Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Kai Havertz, prompting the Gunners to explore multiple offensive reinforcements.
READ MORE: Arsenal confirm first signing of the summer
Alongside their pursuit of Eze, Arsenal continue to be linked with strikers Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting Lisbon) and Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig), as well as several wide players to provide depth and competition for Gabriel Martinelli. The likes of Rodrygo, Rafael Leão, Morgan Rogers, and Noni Madueke are all reportedly under consideration.
Arsenal - Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze (Image credit: Getty Images)
Importantly, Eze’s potential arrival is not expected to hinder Arsenal’s pursuit of other transfer targets. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Eze would be open to returning to the club that released him as a teenager, provided Palace receive a formal offer.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are expected to confirm the long-awaited signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi later this week. The Spanish international came close to joining Liverpool last summer but ultimately remained in La Liga. Now, Arteta has successfully convinced the 26-year-old to make the switch to north London, where he is expected to replace Thomas Partey, who is set to leave as a free agent after talks over a contract extension collapsed.
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In midfield, the Gunners are also closing in on a deal for Brentford captain Christian Nørgaard. The experienced Dane is viewed as a direct replacement for Jorginho, who recently completed a move to Flamengo.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have officially confirmed the £5 million signing of Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. The 30-year-old Spaniard becomes the club’s first major signing of the summer, adding depth and experience to the goalkeeping ranks following Aaron Ramsdale’s departure to Southampton.
With multiple deals in motion and a renewed push for silverware on the horizon, Arsenal appear poised for an ambitious summer transfer window.
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