Arsenal have been told by Crystal Palace how much they will have to pay for attacker Eberechi Eze this summer.
The Gunners see Eze as one of their main remaining targets this summer, after they managed to secure Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi and more to add to Mikel Arteta’s title-challenging side.
Arsenal want to sign someone on the left-wing who can challenge Gabriel Martinelli for the starting spot, and also help to cover if the likes of Bukayo Saka gets injured again. Furthermore, reports are saying that Leandro Trossard could leave, as there is interest from Premier League clubs and Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.
Eze has a £68m release clause in his contract at Palace after a season where he scored 14 goals, and provided 11 assists, helping Oliver Glasner’s side to an FA Cup trophy. However, according to the Guardian, Palace have told Arsenal that they would want just £35m up front in a deal for Eze, before the rest of the £68m fee can be paid in instalments.
This makes it easier for Arsenal to afford, which could accelerate a move for the England international this summer, especially if the Gunners are able to offload a couple of players in the coming days.
Crystal Palace keen on Arsenal target
One of the sure-fire ways to tell if a deal is likely to happen is the transfer activity of the selling club, and whether they are close to landing a replacement for the player in question.
The same report by the Guardian says that Palace are in early talks around a deal for Leicester City attacker Bilal El-Khannouss, who has previously been linked with a move to the Emirates earlier in the summer window.
El-Khannouss likes to play as an attacking midfielder, but can also play on both wings, a similar position to Eze. Furthermore, at just 21, he would provide Palace with a long-term replacement for Eze, potentially indicating that Palace are accepting that the 27-year-old will join Arsenal this summer.
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