First Viktor Gyokeres, now Eberechi Eze! Arsenal turn attention to £60m Crystal Palace talisman after wrapping up key striker target

Crystal Palace FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers FC - Premier League

Arsenal are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze after almost sealing a deal for Viktor Gyokeres. Having spent the past two months working to bring Gyokeres to North London, Arsenal are now ready to turn their full attention to bolstering their midfield by targeting Eze, who has emerged as one of their top priorities in the summer.

WHAT HAPPENED?

With the Gyokeres deal effectively in the bag, Arsenal are lining up a formal offer to lure Eze from Selhurst Park. According to The Independent, the Gunners are preparing a bid worth approximately £60 million ($81m), which could be structured across three payment installments.

Viktor Gyokeres Arsenal GFX

THE BIGGER PICTURE

While this figure falls short of the £67m ($90m) release clause in Eze’s contract, the relationship between the two clubs’ hierarchies is said to be positive, creating a belief that negotiations could proceed amicably. Moreover, the player is believed to be enthusiastic about the opportunity to join Mikel Arteta’s project at Arsenal, which could expedite negotiations.

DID YOU KNOW?

To further sweeten the deal and reduce the transfer fee, Arsenal may consider including winger Reiss Nelson as part of the proposal to Palace. Nelson may find minutes limited next season given the club’s new arrivals, and a switch to Selhurst Park could offer him more consistent playing time, while aiding Arsenal’s pursuit of Eze.

Crystal Palace FA Cup Eberechi Eze 2024-25

WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

Eze enjoyed a standout season under Oliver Glasner at Palace, registering eight goals and eight assists in the Premier League. His consistent output and match-winning goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City were crucial in helping the Eagles reach new heights in the previous campaign. And should Arsenal complete the Eze transfer, Mikel Arteta will hope that he can finally conquer England after coming mighty close in the last few years.