Arsenal now have to pay £52% of clause upfront to sign 'unstoppable' star - report
Arsenal have made six signings during the ongoing summer transfer window.
The London giants have spent almost £200 million on new arrivals, but there could be more inward activity.
The Guardian report that the Gunners have held initial talks with Crystal Palace over the potential transfer of playmaker Eberechi Eze.
Eze is keen on returning to the club where he was released as a 13-year-old, but the Eagles are unlikely to sell him for less than his £67.5m release clause (including add-ons).
The buy-out clause will expire before the new Premier League campaign starts on August 16, but Palace are expected to remain firm on the valuation for their prized asset.
Arsenal have been informed to pay £35m, almost 52% of the clause, upfront, to sign the Englishman, who has been described as ‘unstoppable‘ by former striker Alan Shearer.
Eze transfer could depend on Leandro Trossard’s exit
The Gunners are expected to offload players to balance the squad.
Reiss Nelson has been linked with a return to London counterparts Fulham and could join them on a permanent deal or a loan with an obligation to buy.
Similarly, Leandro Trossard could be on the move. The Belgian is attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund while Premier League clubs are also keen.
Trossard’s departure could be key to signing Eze. The Gunners may see the Englishman as an option to compete with Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing next season.
The sale of Trossard for around £20-25m would help Arsenal recoup funds for Eze, but also free up space and provide a definitive role for Eze under manager Mikel Arteta.
Eze is primarily an attacking midfielder, but has played many times on the left wing. His left-sided bias and strong dribbling skills mean he would fit perfectly on the left flank.
Arsenal are likely to hold further talks with Palace for Eze. The focus could be on lowering the initial fee to around £25m, with the rest of the clause paid over several years.
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