Arsenal's Dream Move for Eberechi Eze Suffers Major Setback
Arsenal are said to be on the verge of missing the crucial deadline to activate Eberechi Eze's buyout clause at Crystal Palace, dealing a significant setback to their pursuit of the highly coveted attacking midfielder.
The North London club have already invested approximately £193.8 million ($256.2 million) in new signings during this transfer window, particularly strengthening their attack with Viktor Gyökeres and Noni Madueke. Nevertheless, manager Mikel Arteta has stated that the team remains "receptive" to additional acquisitions, with Eze understood to be among their primary objectives.
The existence of a release clause in Eze's deal would theoretically streamline any potential transfer. Palace would be obligated to accept a bid totaling £67.5 million ($89.8 million), comprising £60 million ($79.8 million) guaranteed plus additional performance-related bonuses.
Nevertheless, this buyout option lapses "two weeks prior to the new season's commencement" as reported by BBC Sport. The exact start date for the upcoming campaign remains unspecified in their coverage. Should Palace regard their Community Shield clash with Liverpool on Aug. 10 as the season opener, Arsenal may have already lost their chance.
Should it reference the inaugural Premier League match of the campaign, the Gunners would need to complete the transaction by Friday, Aug. 1—which seems extremely improbable. They would gain an additional 48 hours if Palace are calculating from their season opener against Chelsea.
Despite these looming time constraints, Arsenal were believed to rate Eze below his release clause value and intended to pursue a reduced transfer fee with Palace. Should Eagles boss Oliver Glasner have influence over the decision, his key attacker will remain at Selhurst Park.
"Currently, I possess 17 outfield squad members," the Austrian manager recently expressed his concerns. "I'm hoping we don't suffer any further departures. Should that occur and we acquire four new signings on deadline day like previously, another poor beginning becomes likely."
"Despite retaining all our current players, we haven't maximized this transfer period effectively," Glasner continued. "I received assurances that we would be more proactive and secure new additions sooner this time around."
Arsenal might instead refocus their efforts on Real Madrid's Rodrygo, who is believed to be a primary target for cross-town rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The Brazilian winger would likely command a higher fee than Eze, though Madrid—in contrast to Palace—are reportedly prepared to part with their versatile attacker.