Arsenal plotting move for £68 million Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace
Arsenal are preparing to open talks with Crystal Palace over the potential signing of England international Eberechi Eze, as the club’s summer transfer strategy gathers pace.
Sources indicate that preliminary discussions have already taken place on the player’s side over the past fortnight, involving senior figures within Arsenal’s recruitment and football operations teams.
Eze, 27, is understood to be open to the move, and personal terms are not expected to present any complications.
While Eze has a £68 million release clause in his current contract, Arsenal are expected to engage Palace this week to explore whether a deal could be agreed without activating the full clause.
The attacking midfielder netted eight goals and registered eight assists in the Premier League last season and is viewed by Mikel Arteta’s side as a central creative option rather than a wide player.
Arsenal set to make Eberechi Eze approach but remain keen on stunning trio of talentshttps://t.co/XxGtoXB8oK
Arsenal’s pursuit of Eze comes alongside the imminent arrival of Noni Madueke from Chelsea.
The winger has reportedly passed his medical ahead of a £52 million move and is considered versatile enough to cover both flanks. His arrival is seen as complementary rather than conflicting, as the Gunners look to strengthen centrally with Eze.
In addition to Eze, Arsenal retain interest in several high-profile targets. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon, and AC Milan’s Rafael Leão remain on the club’s radar. However, any move for that trio is likely to depend on outgoings, specifically Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli.
A deal for Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres is also close to completion, as per veteran sports journalist Fabrizio Romano.
🚨🔴⚪️ Negotiations between Arsenal and Sporting remain ongoing in London with all parties involved.
After commission reduced by agent plus €63.5m fee ready, Sporting ask for €10m add-ons to be easy/guaranteed.
Arsenal and agents remain in talks to get the final green light. pic.twitter.com/0YMH2NZGxdThe Gunners are expected to pay €63.5 million plus €10 million in add-ons, after a compromise was reached involving a waived agent commission. The final package matches Sporting’s valuation while simplifying the transaction.
Arsenal have also agreed terms with Valencia for 19-year-old defender Cristhian Mosquera in a deal worth nearly €20 million. The Spain youth international is expected to be officially unveiled soon.
These moves follow the arrivals of Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi for £55.8 million and Brentford’s Christian Nørgaard, who joined last week in a deal rising to £12 million. Kepa Arrizabalaga was signed from Chelsea for £5 million after a successful loan spell at Bournemouth, where he kept eight clean sheets.
With the additions of Madueke, Gyökeres, and Mosquera imminent, Arsenal’s summer spending is set to surpass the £200 million mark.
Outgoings have been relatively limited. Nuno Tavares has completed a permanent switch to Lazio, while Brazilian winger Marquinhos has joined Cruzeiro for a reported £3 million.