Palace yet to receive formal bid, but Eze keen on move as Arsenal push for three-instalment plan to beat financial restrictions and rival interest.
LONDON, ENGLAND: Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Selhurst Park on May 20, 2025. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Arsenal are reportedly seeking to negotiate a staggered payment plan with Crystal Palace in a bid to sign Eberechi Eze, as the north London club look to stretch their summer budget while staying within Premier League profit and sustainability regulations.
Although Palace have yet to receive a formal approach, Arsenal are understood to be in the process of finalising a proposal that would see the £60 million release clause met in three instalments of £20 million.
The 27-year-old attacking midfielder is reportedly open to the move, and Mikel Arteta remains keen to add another creative presence behind the forwards.
Miguel Delaney, writing in The Herald, reports that Arsenal’s spending this summer has been primarily structured around bringing in Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres, with Christian Norgaard viewed as a low-cost option to strengthen midfield depth.
However, Delaney writes that the club are also serious about acquiring Eze and are confident that a financial compromise can be reached.
LONDON, ENGLAND: Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace poses for a photo with the FA Cup trophy after their team's victory in the Emirates FA Cup Final match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2025. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
The approach reflects Arsenal’s wider transfer strategy. Their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko was halted due to RB Leipzig’s firm stance on price, despite 18 months of groundwork by Edu Gaspar and the belief that the Bundesliga side would sanction a deal in the region of £60 million.
Sesko chose to remain in Germany last summer for development reasons, and Arsenal had expected a cooperative exit this year. Instead, Leipzig held firm at around €80 million (£67.5 million), prompting Arsenal to switch focus to Gyokeres, with Sporting CP also asking for a package close to £70 million.
The current lack of major outgoings has meant Arsenal must tread carefully to stay within spending limits. Despite this, they remain confident of landing Eze, whose contract at Selhurst Park runs until 2027. Palace are in no rush to sell, but may find it difficult to resist a structured offer for a player with a fixed release clause.
While Liverpool maintain long-standing interest in Eze, they have not yet made a move this summer. Arsenal are hoping that a well-constructed financial proposal, coupled with the player’s own preference, will be enough to secure the deal.
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