Arsenal - Andrea Berta
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Arsenal are intensifying their efforts to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze, withThe Independent’s Miguel Delaney reporting that the Gunners are working to structure a deal that avoids the need for a significant player sale this summer.
While no formal bid has been submitted to Palace, talks are said to be progressing between Arsenal and Eze’s representatives. The 27-year-old England international is believed to favour a move to the Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal aiming to land him in a deal that aligns with their financial strategy.
Eze has a £68 million release clause, payable in three installments of £20 million each, plus £8 million in add-ons. However, Arsenal are hesitant to trigger the clause outright and are exploring creative payment options, including a potential player-plus-cash proposal to stay within budget.
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The dynamic playmaker, who was briefly part of Arsenal’s Hale End academy as a child, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most electrifying talents. He scored 15 goals across all competitions last season, including the winner in Crystal Palace’s historic FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City. His ability to operate as a No. 10, central midfielder, or wide attacker makes him an ideal fit for Mikel Arteta’s fluid system and provides depth behind Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard.
🚨Eberechi Eze’s preference is to join Arsenal this summer, despite interest from other Premier League clubs.
Arsenal are seeking to structure a deal that would enable them to buy Eze without a big sale this summer.
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Eze’s preference for Arsenal could prove decisive. According to GiveMeSport, the midfielder is “desperate” to play under Arteta, and provisional personal terms are already believed to be in place. Despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur and speculation about Liverpool entering the race, Arsenal remain in pole position.
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The move for Eze comes as Arsenal near completion of a €65 million (£56 million) deal for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres, with personal terms agreed on a five-year contract. The club has also already added Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi and Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, while Brentford’s Christian Nørgaard is expected to arrive in a €13 million deal.
To facilitate Eze’s signing without a major outgoing transfer, Arsenal are considering the sale of fringe players such as Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior, Reiss Nelson, and Leandro Trossard. However, sources indicate that a marquee departure may not be necessary, especially if Crystal Palace agree to accept a player in exchange. The two clubs have a solid working relationship, having previously completed deals involving Eddie Nketiah, Albert Sambi Lokonga, and Rob Holding.
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