Arsenal are reportedly in the race to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, but they’ll have to fend off Tottenham Hotspur, who are also keeping tabs on the talented winger.
With Mikel Arteta looking to add some flair and firepower out wide, Eze has become a serious option on Arsenal’s shortlist for the left flank. The 25-year-old’s creativity, footwork, and ability to glide past defenders make him a natural fit for the Gunners’ fluid attacking style.
The catch? Palace reportedly values their star at around £68 million, and Arsenal have already started exploring what sort of payment structure could make a deal possible, possibly a mix of upfront cash and achievable add-ons to soften the hit.
According to Givemesport, Eze is indeed being monitored by the powers-that-be in North London, who are aware of a £68m release clause in his contract, which expires in two seasons.
The report adds that Palace will accept payment in three separate instalments, as Arsenal prepare to battle North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of the winger.
Eze has consistently gone from strength to strength since moving to Selhurst Park from Queens Park Rangers in 2020, and the 26-year-old has now come up with 40 goals and 28 assists in 167 matches for the Eagles in all competitions.
The 2024-25 season was another campaign of significant personal development for Eze, who struck 14 goals and set up 11 more while collecting an FA Cup winners’ medal, scoring the only goal in the final win over Manchester City.
The England international, who is expected to be on the plane for next summer’s World Cup in the USA – would be expected to work off the left at Arsenal or Spurs, although he could also function as a number 10 in either system.
Arsenal may have some catching up to do in the race for Eze, though, as Tottenham supposedly believe that the attacker would be open to joining them if they indicate a willingness to pay his release clause.
Arsenal learns Rodrygo’s asking price after entering Eze race
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has always been one to pursue a player with Premier League experience, and after such a standout 2024-25 campaign, the Gunners’ taking a firm interest in Eze was only a matter of time.
However, the club is not putting all its eggs in one basket when it comes to its wide man search, and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is still reportedly a dream target for North London transfer chiefs.
The report adds that Los Blancos will allow the Brazilian to leave for the right price, and they value the former Santos starlet at around €90m (£76.7m).
Rodrygo was an unused substitute in Real’s last Club World Cup game – a 3-1 win over Pachuca on June 22 – and he is expected to hold crunch talks with head coach Xabi Alonso about his future following the tournament.
Arsenal currently have Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard competing for minutes on the left wing, but there’s talk that the club could be willing to part ways with one of them before the new season kicks off.