Bayern Munich - Jamal Musiala
Image credit: Getty Images
Bayern Munich have emerged as serious contenders in the race to sign Crystal Palace and England midfielder Eberechi Eze, potentially complicating Arsenal’s pursuit of the highly rated attacker this summer.
Arsenal have already completed high-profile signings, including Martin Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga, and are now turning their attention to bolstering Mikel Arteta’s frontline before the transfer window closes. Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres is close to finalising a move to north London, with the Gunners confident of fending off interest from Manchester United. Noni Madueke is also expected to join Arsenal, with a deal worth over £50 million already agreed with Chelsea, despite mixed reactions from the fanbase.
READ MORE: Arsenal close to securing summer deal that will excite fans
Eze remains a top target for Arsenal following a standout season at Crystal Palace, where he registered eight goals and eight assists in the Premier League. The 26-year-old playmaker is reportedly open to a move back to north London, 14 years after being released from Arsenal’s academy, and is eager to play Champions League football.
Arsenal - Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze (Image credit: Getty Images)
However, according toThe Sun, Bayern Munich are now stepping up their efforts to land Eze and are prepared to go head-to-head with Arsenal in what is shaping up to be a fierce transfer battle. The Bundesliga champions are seeking urgent reinforcements after Jamal Musiala suffered a serious injury, fracturing his fibula and dislocating his ankle which will sideline him for four to five months.
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Bayern have also lost Leroy Sané, who recently joined Galatasaray after rejecting a lucrative contract extension at the Allianz Arena. Manager Vincent Kompany is believed to be pushing for a reunion between Eze and former Palace teammate Michael Olise, who joined Bayern earlier this summer. The German giants are also monitoring Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku after missing out on Florian Wirtz, who opted to join Liverpool.
Crystal Palace, however, are standing firm. The south London club are unwilling to let Eze leave unless his release clause, believed to be in the region of £68 million including bonuses is met in full. Arsenal are reportedly considering including a promising defender in the deal to bring down the overall cost and convince Palace to negotiate.
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