Crystal Palace are expecting an approach from Arsenal for Eberechi Eze even if his release clause expires, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

It was revealed on Thursday that the 27-year-old’s £68m buyout fee will no longer be active after midnight on Friday, but speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano made it clear that it won’t end the Gunners’ interest in the player:

“They spoke to the player several times and the player is also very keen on a move. So Palace expect Arsenal to arrive. Let’s see when, let’s see how this conversation will go. Let’s see, financially, what they can do. But now the clause has 24 hours [left].”

“Then the story is going to be over in the next hours, basically in terms of the release clause. It’s going to be over for the clause, not for Arsenal, because Arsenal remain absolutely interested in the player.”

Arsenal are hoping to pay less than £68m

The reason why Mikel Arteta’s side are not too concerned about the clause expiring is that they have never had any intention of spending that much on Eze.

There is hope that Palace will lower their asking price for the England international, the closer we get to the transfer deadline on September 1st. He has less than two years left on his contract, and his value is beginning to depreciate, so the Egales may be tempted to cash in.

Sales may be required to fund a move for Eze

It has been suggested that the Gunners have already exhausted their transfer budget for the summer, and any additional signings will have to be financed by outgoings.

Leandro Trossard does have several offers, and if the Belgian is offloaded over the coming weeks, it may well open the door for Eze.

Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here