Report: Payment structure agreed as Arsenal move closer Palace playmaker | OneFootball

Eberechi Eze to Arsenal? Gunners Close In on Crystal Palace Star

Arsenal Push Ahead in Eze Transfer Race

Arsenal’s pursuit of Eberechi Eze appears to be gathering serious momentum, with CaughtOffside reporting that the North London side are close to agreeing a payment structure with Crystal Palace. The Gunners are looking to fend off stiff competition from Premier League rivals including Manchester City, Chelsea, and Tottenham for the 27-year-old attacking midfielder.

Eze’s stock has soared in recent months after a stunning season with Crystal Palace, racking up 15 goals and 11 assists across all competitions for both club and country. His creative flair, dynamism, and growing influence have made him a prime target for top-tier clubs. But it seems Arsenal are leading the chase – and crucially, with the player’s preference on their side.

Instalment Deal Edges Arsenal Closer

Although Eze’s current contract includes a £67.5 million release clause, Arsenal are reportedly working on a staggered payment agreement that could see them offer £45 million up front, with the rest to follow via performance-related bonuses. Sources close to CaughtOffside suggest these bonuses are “likely to be quite easy to meet,” making the deal all the more appealing for Palace.

One source told CaughtOffside: “Palace are in favour of this structure,” which is a strong indicator that talks are progressing smoothly. If all goes to plan, Arsenal could soon have a marquee signing wrapped up early in the window – a clear statement of intent from Mikel Arteta and Edu.

Eze’s Arsenal Ambition and Tactical Fit

Personal terms are not expected to be an obstacle. Eze is said to be keen on the switch and is reportedly set to double his salary if he joins Arsenal. His desire to prioritise Arsenal over Manchester City and Tottenham is another massive boost for the Gunners’ hierarchy.

Photo IMAGO

Eze would offer immediate depth and versatility, potentially challenging Martin Ødegaard centrally or providing an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli out wide. His unique skill set – combining direct dribbling, vision, and end product – would add a fresh dimension to Arsenal’s attacking options, especially against deep-lying defences.

Arsenal Fend Off Rivals for Premier-Ready Star

With Manchester City and Spurs already making approaches and Chelsea hovering in the background, Arsenal’s proactive approach looks set to pay dividends. CaughtOffside notes that Chelsea’s interest never really progressed, while City and Spurs could now be left scrambling for alternatives.

If the final details are agreed in the coming days, Arsenal fans could soon be celebrating one of the most exciting acquisitions of the summer – a player entering his prime, with Premier League experience, and ready to make an immediate impact at the Emirates.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal fan’s perspective, the potential signing of Eberechi Eze is both thrilling and reassuring. After a season where squad depth and creativity occasionally faltered – particularly when Ødegaard was marked out of games or Martinelli’s form dipped – Eze provides a dynamic, reliable alternative who is already battle-hardened in the Premier League.

There’s no doubting Eze’s quality. His ability to glide past players and find incisive passes makes him a natural fit for Arteta’s system. What’s even more appealing is that this isn’t just a flashy, high-risk signing. Eze has been consistently productive at Palace, often dragging the team forward in tough spells. His 15 goals and 11 assists aren’t empty stats – they reflect real match impact.

The fact that he’s actively choosing Arsenal over City or Spurs suggests this isn’t just about money – it’s about a footballing project that excites him. From a fan’s viewpoint, that kind of mentality matters. If the structure is as reported, Arsenal would be striking a smart financial balance, too – getting elite-level quality without jeopardising future spending.

Eze might not be the marquee name some expected, but his ceiling is arguably higher than many of the big-money names circulating the rumour mill. Arsenal supporters will rightly feel optimistic about what he could bring – flair, goals, depth, and the kind of unpredictability that title-winning teams rely on.