Arsenal are interested in a summer deal for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze but may be put off by his high release clause, journalist David Ornstein has revealed.
The Gunners are believed to have earmarked the England international as a potential reinforcement to Mikel Arteta’s attacking options but have yet to make significant progress on a deal to bring him to the Emirates.
Ornstein suggests that the fact Eze is 27 and has only two years left on his contract may prevent Arsenal from triggering his hefty release clause, which is believed to be worth £67.5m.
He claims Arsenal’s pursuit is still at a ‘relatively embryonic stage’, as the Gunners continue to assess their market options.
Arsenal Eyeing Move for Eberechi Eze
His release clause may prove a challenge
Eberechi Eze
Ornstein, speaking on The Athletic FC channel, revealed that Arsenal’s pursuit of Eze is not yet advanced, as Palace want his release clause to be paid in full:
“We're not saying it's going to happen. We're not saying it's advanced and Arsenal, I think, for a player who's only got a couple of years left on his contract, is 27 years old now, wouldn't want to be going as high as the release clause. They would want to go lower if, indeed, they proceed with this.
“And I'm sure Crystal Palace would like to see the release clause met if they're going to lose their player.
“Although it's timed with Eze, it has to be hit within a certain period. Otherwise, it's not active, and you just have to negotiate like normal.”
Ornstein also added that Eze may be open to a move to the Emirates this summer, having started his career at Arsenal as a youngster:
“What about the wishes of the player? Would he like to go? I'm sure it's an opportunity he might be open to exploring, given he actually started at Arsenal as a youngster from their youth system, and it would present, you know, Champions League football and that sort of thing.
“But we're not at that point yet. I'm just kind of laying the foundations for something that may develop, but in a relatively embryonic stage, as I understand it right now.”
Eze has developed into one of the best attacking midfielders in the Premier League in recent seasons and has been heavily linked with a departure over the past 12 months.
He made 34 league appearances for Palace last term, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists, helping them finish 12th in their first full season under Oliver Glasner.
Eberechi Eze's Crystal Palace Stats (2024/25 Premier League)
Games
Goals
Assists
Goal-creating actions
Minutes played
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Statistics courtesy ofFbrefandTransfermarkt. Correct as of 0 5 -07-25.