Arsenal look set to ramp up their pursuit of Eberechi Eze, with the club preparing to make a formal approach to Crystal Palace following several positive discussions with the player’s representatives, CAA Base. Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s recruitment team are long-time admirers of the 27-year-old playmaker and now appear ready to act on their interest as the summer transfer window begins to heat up.
Eze, who has emerged as one of the most creative and technically gifted players in the Premier League, has been on Arsenal’s radar for months. His dazzling displays for Palace — blending flair, dribbling, and composure — have made him one of the standout attacking midfielders in the division.
Arsenal have already held multiple rounds of talks with Eze’s representatives, laying the groundwork for a potential transfer. The discussions are said to have gone well, with all parties aligned on the player’s potential fit in Mikel Arteta’s evolving system. Eze, a boyhood Arsenal fan, is understood to be open to the move.
However, Crystal Palace remain determined to hold firm on their valuation. The South London club are pointing interested parties toward Eze’s £68 million release clause, making it clear that they have no desire to negotiate a lower fee. For a player they view as central to their ambitions under new manager Oliver Glasner, Palace believe that price reflects both his ability and importance to the squad.
Arsenal, for their part, would prefer to reach an agreement below the release clause, and are currently exploring alternative structures that might entice Palace to do business — including performance-based add-ons or the inclusion of a player as part of the deal. Despite their reluctance to meet the full £68 million outright, the Gunners are said to be ready to put forward a significant financial package to test Palace’s resolve.
Eze’s versatility is a key attraction for Arsenal. Capable of playing as a left winger, attacking midfielder, or even deeper in a central role, he would add depth and dynamism to a squad that is preparing for another intense Premier League and Champions League campaign. Arteta is keen to bolster his options in the attacking third, and Eze is seen as someone who could rotate with or complement the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Ødegaard.
While no formal bid has yet been submitted, sources close to the situation indicate that Arsenal’s approach could arrive in the coming days. The move could develop quickly depending on Palace’s stance and the willingness of both sides to negotiate creatively.
With Arsenal showing serious intent and Eze reportedly open to the switch, this is one transfer saga that could define the Gunners’ summer — if they are willing to meet the price or find a way around it.
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