Arsenal are pushing ahead with their summer transfer plans, and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze has emerged as their next top target. After a £200 million spending spree that has already reshaped Mikel Arteta’s squad, the Gunners are looking to seal a smartly-structured deal for the dynamic midfielder—one that could involve both a staged payment plan and a player-plus-cash offer.
Arsenal’s Summer Overhaul Gains Momentum
Following another season of near misses—finishing second in the Premier League for the third consecutive year—Arsenal have moved aggressively in the 2025 summer window to reinforce their squad. Key signings so far include Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, Noni Madueke, and Viktor Gyokeres.
With injuries having taken a toll during the 2024/25 campaign, Arteta’s recruitment drive aims to add depth and quality across the pitch. The emphasis this window has been clear: strengthen the attack and midfield to finally push Arsenal over the line in their title quest.
Eze Identified as Priority Target
At the heart of Arsenal’s latest transfer ambitions is Eberechi Eze, a standout performer for Crystal Palace and key figure in their FA Cup-winning side last season. The England international tallied 25 goal contributions across all competitions, drawing attention from elite clubs including Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur.
However, it is Arsenal who are now reportedly leading the race for his signature.
Structured Deal Designed to Seal the Move
According to reports from Caught Offside, Arsenal have devised a detailed financial structure to facilitate the transfer. The Gunners are proposing to pay £30 million upfront, with the remaining £38 million of Eze’s £68 million release clause to be paid in instalments over two years.
This staggered approach not only aligns with Arsenal’s financial strategy but also shows their commitment to landing Eze without breaching budget constraints.
Two Key Factors Could Ease Negotiations
Two major factors are helping smooth talks between Arsenal and Crystal Palace. Firstly, Arsenal are reportedly in no rush to finalize the move, showing patience as Palace seek a suitable replacement for their talisman. Secondly, Arsenal are prepared to include winger Reiss Nelson as part of a player-plus-cash proposal—a move that could reduce Palace’s need to find an immediate attacking replacement.
Fulham are also said to be interested in Nelson, while Palace are eyeing Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss as their top option should Eze depart.
What’s Next for Arsenal and Eze?
With progress being made behind the scenes and the Gunners maintaining a flexible, respectful approach to negotiations, a deal for Eze could be finalized in the coming weeks. Should Crystal Palace approve the terms and secure a replacement, Arsenal may soon welcome one of the Premier League’s most exciting midfielders to the Emirates Stadium.
