Arsenal - Eberechi Eze
Image credit: Getty Images
Former Chelsea and England defender Gary Cahill has encouraged Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze to take the next step in his career by joining Arsenal this summer, amid growing interest from several Premier League giants.
In an interview withMetro Sport, Cahill, who played alongside Eze during the 2021–22 season at Selhurst Park, praised the 27-year-old’s rapid development and believes a move to the Emirates Stadium could be the ideal progression for the dynamic midfielder.
“Palace have given Eze an amazing platform to reach the level he is at now, both at Palace and with England,” Cahill said. “But at 27, he is probably looking for that next challenge at an elite club. Arsenal have been brilliant the last few years and will be very competitive in the Premier League and in Europe. He would fit in there with Mikel Arteta’s style of play.”
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Eberechi Eze has enjoyed a standout campaign, scoring 15 goals and providing 11 assists across all competitions, including a decisive strike in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. His performances have drawn attention from Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, and Manchester United. However, Arsenal appear to be leading the race, with manager Mikel Arteta reportedly identifying Eze as a key target.
Arsenal - Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze (Image credit: Getty Images)
According to The Athletic, Arsenal have held preliminary talks with Eze’s representatives to discuss personal terms and explore ways to meet his £68 million release clause. While Palace are standing firm on the valuation, the Gunners are considering a player-plus-cash deal that could include a promising young defender as part of the package.
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Eze’s potential return to Arsenal would mark a poignant chapter in his journey. The England international was released by the club at the age of 13, a moment he has described as deeply emotional. “I remember crying in my room for a solid week, my mum telling me that it’s going to be OK but not being able to get over it,” he once said.
Now with 12 England caps and a flourishing Premier League career, Eberechi Eze is reportedly open to returning to north London, with transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirming his openness to the move.
Arteta values Eze’s versatility, capable of playing as a No. 10, on either wing, or in central midfield as a perfect fit for Arsenal’s fluid tactical setup. The Independent reports that the club is exploring a payment structure to meet Palace’s valuation in compliance with Premier League profit and sustainability rules, potentially spread across three installments of £20 million plus add-ons.
With Arsenal looking to add attacking depth ahead of the 2025/26 season, Eze’s arrival could be one of the headline moves of the summer.
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