‘Big summer’ – Arsenal have made ‘surprising’ Eberechi Eze decision
Arsenal have made a “surprising” decision in their bid to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze this summer.
The Gunners are among several top clubs to have been linked with the England international 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.
Football Insider revealed on 22 July Arsenal are accelerating their plans to sign Eze despite recently adding Noni Madueke to their ranks.
Widespread reports have revealed the attacking midfielder’s contract is believed to have included a £68million release clause that expired on 1 August.
However, Arsenal have decided not to trigger Eze’s release clause as they continue to negotiate with Palace.
Crystal Palace to play hardball over Eberechi Eze deal
This article contains exclusive comment from Stefan Borson, a former financial adviser to Man City.
Arsenal are backing Mikel Arteta in the transfer market after securing several new additions this summer.
The Gunners have signed Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, Viktor Gyokeres and Madueke, with those deals setting them back close to £200million.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “I just don’t think they want to pay £68million in total for Eze.
“Palace may well sell for less and Arsenal clearly seem to think that they might. But I think Crystal Palace have got a history of not taking these sorts of offers, so I’m quite surprised.
“I think maybe Arsenal just don’t want the player enough. I mean, clearly they don’t. I’m a little bit surprised that they would let the release clause come and go.
“I think once you have a serious interest in the player, I can’t imagine that they’re going to get him for materially less than the release clause, and it removes all of that uncertainty by going for the release clause.
“But maybe they’re at their limit with what they’ve spent. I mean, they’ve had a very big summer and have spent a fortune.
“Maybe they just simply can’t afford another signing, but I think it’s unlikely.”
Arsenal plan to accept Gabriel Jesus offers
In terms of a potential exit at the Emirates Stadium, recruitment expert Mick Brown told Football Insider Arsenal are planning to accept Gabriel Jesus offers heading into the final weeks of the transfer window.
Gyokeres’ arrival from Sporting Lisbon has seen the Brazil international drop down the pecking order in north London.
Arsenal were previously planning to entertain offers for Jesus in January before his cruciate ligament injury scuppered their sale plans.
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