Arsenal on Alert as London Rivals Line Up Replacement for Star Target

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·29 Juli 2025

Arsenal on Alert as London Rivals Line Up Replacement for Star Target

Arsenal may have just received the green light to push ahead for Eberechi Eze, as Crystal Palace appear to be preparing for life without their star playmaker.

It is no secret that the Gunners view Eze as a transformative signing. A boyhood Arsenal fan with a unique mix of flair, fearlessness and attacking dynamism, the 27-year-old has long been admired by Mikel Arteta. With Martin Ødegaard burdened by the full weight of Arsenal’s creative output and Bukayo Saka often double-marked, Eze could be the X factor needed to unlock stubborn defences.

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Palace Prepare for Eze Exit

According to Footmercato, Crystal Palace have identified Bilal El Khannouss as their preferred successor if Eze departs this summer. The 20-year-old Moroccan is also attracting interest from RB Leipzig, but Palace’s proactive search for a replacement may suggest they are bracing themselves for Eze’s exit.

While Palace are reportedly holding firm on the England international’s £68 million release clause, their efforts to bring in a new playmaker signal possible flexibility in negotiations. Arsenal, who have already splashed over £200 million this summer, may yet strike a deal if they can structure payments attractively.

According to Just Arsenal sources, Arsenal are prepared to pay £30 million up front and the rest, £38 million, would be paid over the next 2 years.

Eze (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Final Piece of Arteta’s Puzzle?

Arteta has spoken publicly about Arsenal’s intention to remain active in the market, and Eze fits the bill perfectly as a high-impact, Premier League-proven creator. His ability to beat players, draw fouls, and score from range would give the Gunners a much-needed alternative when Ødegaard is tightly marked or off form.

El Khannouss, ironically, has also been linked with Arsenal in the past. But at this stage of the club’s development, Arteta needs more of a finished product. Eze has blossomed into one of the league’s most exciting attacking midfielders, and his addition would mark a statement signing to cap a near-perfect summer.

Andrea Berta and the Arsenal hierarchy now face a key decision: meet Palace’s demands or risk letting another London rival dictate the market. With Liverpool targeting Alexander Isak, Arsenal need a blockbuster response.

What do you think, Gooners?

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