Arsenal exploring Eberechi Eze deal after talks but Crystal Palace rule out cut-price sale | OneFootball

Eagles aware of Gunners interest in England midfielder and value him broadly in line with £68m release clause

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Talks have not yet opened between the clubs over a potential move, but Palace are aware of Arsenal’s interest.

Eze, who turned 27 on Sunday, has a £68million release clause inserted into his current contract at Selhurst Park, payable in instalments. His deal expires in 2027.

Palace are believed to value the player broadly in line with that figure and will not let him leave for a heavily cut-price fee.

Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham have been long-standing admirers of Eze and remain interested in him despite no contact being made yet this summer.

Spurs have a close relationship with Eze’s agency, CAA Base, who represent a number of their current players including Heung-min Son, James Maddison, Pape Matar Sarr, Pedro Porro and Richarlison.

Arsenal are monitoring a number of versatile attackers this summer as they also look to sign a wide player able to provide competition for Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon are two players they also hold an interest in.

They are also intent on signing a leading striker, with one of Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres or RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko likely to join.

Eze finished the season in excellent form. After scoring his first international goal for England in a World Cup qualifier against Latvia in March, he netted nine times in Palace’s final 13 matches of the campaign.

That included scoring in their FA Cup semi-final win over Aston Villa and the only goal of the final against Manchester City as the Eagles won major silverware for the first time in their history.

Eze was previously on Arsenal's books as a youngster, training at their prestigious Hale End Academy until being released at the age of 13.