Eze Release Clause Expires Amid Arsenal Interest, Palace Sets Transfer Terms

Eberechi Eze's £68 million release clause with Crystal Palace expires as the Premier League season approaches, intensifying Arsenal's interest in acquiring the versatile attacking midfielder. Despite Eze's openness to a move and Arsenal's willingness to negotiate below the release price, a deal has been complicated by Palace's valuation and the Gunners' need to sell players to fund the transfer amid significant summer spending. Arsenal has already invested nearly £200 million in new signings and aims to balance squad improvements with financial sustainability, keeping in mind Premier League profit and sustainability rules. Palace appears determined to retain Eze unless a substantial upfront payment—reported to be at least £35 million—is met, while other clubs like Chelsea, Tottenham, and Bayern Munich monitor the situation. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains hopeful to integrate Eze as a No.10 or left-sided attacker and expects key players to be fit for the season start. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has expressed a desire to keep Eze, underscoring the competitive tension surrounding the transfer window.