As reported by Con Harrison via X, Arsenal will set their sights on Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze if ‘all goes to plan’ next summer.
It is said that the North London outfit sneaked into the details of this deal, but they wanted him to play for the Eagles for one more season. This will help the winger to gain more maturity and become a valuable part of the squad.
Arsenal to target Eberechi Eze if all goes to plan next summer. Club feel another good season maturing in the premier league will make him a valuable member of the squad. Looked into the fabric of the deal this year but deemed they’d like him to play another year at palace.…
— Con Harrison (@ConMarbleHalls) September 4, 2024
The 26-year-old played for several clubs during his youth days. Surprisingly, he spent his development days with Arsenal, Reading, Milwall, and Fulham. Eberechi Eze signed for Queens Park Rangers after a promising spell at loan club Wycombe Wanderers. Palace, amazed by his performances in the Championship, signed the player in 2020.
The 2023/24 was a breakthrough year for Eze, as he scored 11 goals and provided four assists in 27 appearances. The English ace has already scored a goal for the Eagles in three league games this season.
Eberechi Eze signed a new contract with Oliver Glasner’s side last November, extending until 2027. Interested clubs need to activate his £68 million release clause (including add-ons) in order to strike a deal.
His former club QPR will also receive 20% of any transfer fee. Eze was scouted by Premier League giants like Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, and the Gunners.
It was also claimed that his contract clause expired at the end of the summer window, but no interest was shown by his potential suitors on the deadline day. Palace Chairman Steve Parish was shocked by the lack of approach for their left winger.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I was really worried from a club point of view of losing Michael [Olise] and Ebbs [Eze] in the same window and we didn’t have in Ebbs the interest that I thought we would have.”
“I was astounded. Genuinely astounded. I mean, the guy’s just an outstanding footballer and an outstanding person.”
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ARSENAL EYEING EBERECHI EZE NEXT SUMMER?
The Gunners were looking for a versatile winger to provide depth to their current attacking options. That led them to Raheem Sterling, and they signed the Chelsea star on loan in the summer transfer window.
We believe that Mikel Arteta would go after a new winger as soon as Sterling’s loan deal expires next year. Eze is a versatile lad who can play as a left-winger, attacking midfielder, or central midfielder.
Although he is right-footed, he loves to cut inside from the left. The English ace has played 8,146 minutes in the PL; even Bukayo Saka has played more (13,703 minutes).
Hence, it’s logical to think that Arsenal wants the Palace star to prove himself in the league before they make the first move. Eze’s transfer fee won’t create a hindrance since the Eagles could negotiate for a lower fee next summer.
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It remains to be seen whether the player is successful in luring the Gunners’ hierarchy. His performances will determine the future course of action.
