Arsenal have entered discussions with representatives of Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze, potentially sparking a transfer battle with Tottenham Hotspur. Mikel Arteta views the 27-year-old as a key addition to enhance creativity and depth after Arsenal finished Premier League runners-up for a third consecutive season.
Arsenal officials met Eze's agents on Saturday to discuss personal terms, but have not yet initiated talks with Palace regarding a transfer. The England international, who was released by Arsenal at age 13, has a £67.5m release clause in his contract running until 2027. Palace have insisted they will only sanction a departure if that clause is met.
Tottenham have a longstanding interest in Eze and have considered making him a statement signing for their new manager, Thomas Frank. Their readiness to submit a formal offer may depend on whether Palace would accept less than the release clause, which currently appears unlikely. Palace are wary of losing Eze for a discounted fee if he does not leave this summer.
Meanwhile, Palace defender Marc Guéhi is prepared to see out the final year of his contract if a suitable move does not materialise. Liverpool and Newcastle have also shown interest in Guéhi. Liverpool have reportedly offered Ben Doak as part of a deal after Palace expressed interest in the Scotland forward in January. Eze, who turned 27 on Sunday and scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final in May, is open to joining either north London club if an agreement can be reached.
