Arsenal in race against time to finalise Eberechi Eze deal as deadline revealed
Arsenal are in a race against time to finalise a deal for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze as a deadline has been revealed.
The England international has been linked with several top clubs following his performances at Selhurst Park.
The 27-year-old registered 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances last season, including the winning strike in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Eze’s impressive campaign took his overall contribution for Palace to 40 goals and 28 assists in 167 outings since making the move to Selhurst Park from QPR for £19.5million in 2020.
Arsenal have been linked with the attacking midfielder for some time, with his deal in south London including a £68million release clause.
Football Insider revealed on 22 July Arsenal are accelerating their plans to sign Eze despite recently adding Noni Madueke to their ranks.
The Gunners agreed to pay Chelsea £52million for Madueke as they continue to strengthen their attacking options.
Arsenal face Eberechi Eze release clause issue
Palace are believed to be standing firm on their valuation and have insisted Eze will not be allowed to leave for less than his release clause.
That has presented a potential issue for the Gunners in their hopes of landing the attacker this summer.
Football Insider revealed on 30 July Eze’s release clause is set to expire before the start of the new Premier League season.
It means Arsenal now have just over two weeks to finalise a deal for the Palace star as Liverpool are set to host Bournemouth in the season-opener on 15 August.
Meanwhile, the Gunners face Manchester United and Palace take on Chelsea in their opening fixtures, with both of those games taking place on 17 August.
Once the deadline passes, Oliver Glasner’s side will regain full control of Eze’s future and could demand a higher fee than his release clause.
Eze has two years left on his contract at Selhurst Park, ensuring Palace are in no immediate rush to sell their prize asset this summer.
Arsenal spending could exceed £200m after Eberechi Eze latest
Emirates Stadium chiefs are backing Mikel Arteta in the transfer market this summer after securing several new additions.
Viktor Gyokeres became Arsenal’s latest recruit when he joined from Sporting Lisbon in a £64million deal.
The Gunners have also signed Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera and Madueke this summer.
Arsenal have now spent close to £200million on new signings, and that figure will rise substantially if they can get a deal over the line for Eze in the coming weeks.
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