Arsenal have had a productive summer transfer window.
The Gunners began with the signing of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, before confirming the arrivals of midfielders Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi.
Noni Madueke is also expected to join this week. The Englishman could be accompanied by Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera and Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres soon.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has now revealed that the Gunners’ priority will turn to finding an attacking midfielder after the transfer of Gyokeres is formalised.
Talks are continuing for Eberechi Eze with Arsenal ‘set to make a formal approach’ to Crystal Palace.
The Gunners are looking to sign the attacker for less than his release clause.
Arsenal likely to move for Eze
Eze had a top-notch season with Palace, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists in all competitions.
The 27-year-old played exclusively from the number 10 position for the Eagles. He has also found success operating from the left wing and number eight positions too in his career.
His versatility could be one of the prime reasons behind the Gunners’ pursuit. Eze has a slight bias towards the left flank and would provide a different dimension to the club’s attack.
Aside from his goal contributions, he possesses a good work rate and is adept at making recoveries. He averaged two dribbles per league game last season, creating 11 big chances.
He has a £68 million release clause in his contract, payable in three instalments of £20m plus £8m in add-ons. Arsenal may be looking to pay a lesser fee with a long-term payment plan.
Palace are not an easy club to negotiate with. It remains to be seen whether they can secure a discount on the price. They may need to find a quick solution amid interest from Bayern.
Arsenal should have an edge over the German champions due to Eze’s past with the club.
He was released as a schoolboy by the Gunners. The opportunity to return to the club and continue in the English capital should be a tempting prospect over moving abroad with Bayern.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com