Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign one of the summer’s biggest signings. The club met with Eberechi Eze’s representatives on Saturday (June 28) to discuss salary and contract structure, according to the Guardian.
Eze has a £67.5m [$92m] release clause in his contract, which runs until 2027.
Arsenal haven’t made an official bid yet but are trying to negotiate a lower fee. Sources close to the deal say Palace will only sell if the full release clause is triggered.
It’s not a one-horse race with Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester City also interested in Eze this summer.
But Arsenal are the most aggressive suitors; Arteta wants the 27-year-old, who is now in his prime and is a top priority for the Gunners, who have finished 2nd in the Premier League for three seasons running.
Eze was part of Arsenal’s academy until he was released in 2011. His return would be a remarkable redemption story, especially after the season he’s just had – which had him scoring the winner in the FA Cup final in May, which sealed Palace’s first ever major trophy.
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Arsenal eyes reinforcements after injury-hit Premier League run
After another season of injuries ruined their title push, Arteta wants to add more creativity to the squad.
Injuries to Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Martin Ødegaard showed a lack of depth in attack.
Eze can operate between the lines and beat defenders off the dribble, which is what Arteta wants.
Gunners are also in the market for a central striker, with Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting Lisbon and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig on their radar.
Elsewhere, midfield reinforcements are also being lined up, with Martín Zubimendi of Real Sociedad reportedly to join this week as Partey departs.
