Arsenal’s pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze has gained significant momentum, with the midfielder reportedly expressing a strong desire to join the Gunners. Eze, who was once released from Arsenal’s youth academy, has emerged as a key transfer target for manager Mikel Arteta, aiming to bolster the team’s creativity for the upcoming season.
The 27-year-old playmaker has been instrumental for Crystal Palace, contributing 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions last season. His performances have attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, with Arsenal at the forefront of the race. Reports suggest that Eze has informed friends of his intention to move to the Emirates Stadium, indicating a strong inclination towards the transfer.
Arsenal’s interest in Eze is part of a broader strategy to enhance their attacking options. The club has already secured the signings of Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi this summer, with further additions under consideration. Eze’s versatility allows him to operate both as an attacking midfielder and a left-winger, providing Arteta with tactical flexibility.
However, the move is not without challenges. Crystal Palace has reportedly set Eze’s release clause at £68 million, a figure Arsenal is hesitant to meet outright. To navigate this, Arsenal is exploring a structured payment plan, potentially involving player exchanges to offset the upfront cost. Discussions are ongoing to find a mutually agreeable solution.
The potential departure of Oleksandr Zinchenko, who is attracting interest from Napoli, could facilitate Eze’s arrival. Zinchenko’s exit would free up significant wage space, making room for new signings. Additionally, Arsenal is considering offloading other players, including Reiss Nelson, Leandro Trossard, and Fabio Vieira, to balance the squad and finances.
As the transfer window progresses, Arsenal remains committed to strengthening their squad. The club’s proactive approach, coupled with Eze’s expressed interest, suggests that a deal could materialize in the near future, potentially replacing Leandro Trossard in Arteta’s lineup.
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