Arsenal are exploring the possibility of including a player in a deal to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, according to new reports.
Eze is high on Mikel Arteta’s summer transfer wishlist, with the manager keen to add a versatile attacking option alongside a new centre-forward. However, Crystal Palace are reluctant to let their star man go unless his full release clause — reportedly worth up to £68 million with add-ons — is met.
Having already spent heavily this summer — £55 million on Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, £5 million on Kepa Arrizabalaga, and nearing a €80 million (£69 million) deal for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres — Arsenal are looking for creative ways to balance the books. They’re also close to signing Brentford captain Christian Nørgaard for £12 million.
According to The Sun, Arsenal are now weighing up a player-plus-cash offer to ease negotiations. The club is reportedly willing to offer a “promising defender” to Palace as part of the deal.
Eze is said to be open to the move, which could help Arsenal stay competitive financially while still securing one of the Premier League’s most dynamic midfielders.
The 27-year-old scored the winner in last season’s FA Cup final for Palace and was one of England’s few bright spots during their 3-1 loss to Senegal. Liverpool have also shown interest in Eze, while Manchester United legend Paul Scholes recently urged his former club to move for the midfielder.
Palace chairman Steve Parish previously expressed surprise that more top clubs hadn’t tried to sign Eze, calling the lack of interest “astounding.”With Arsenal now pushing forward, that situation could soon change.
