2 days ago
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€78.7m release clause
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One of the most engrossing transfer stories this summer looks set to evolve around the future of Crystal Palace and England star Eberechi Eze. According to The Athletic, the 27-year-old is high among a number of options being considered by Arsenal this summer. Direct contact between the clubs is not yet thought to have been made, but serious consideration is being given to the idea. The attacking midfielder has a release clause in his contract rumoured to be worth around €78.7 million, but Arsenal are trying to strike a deal below that price. It is unclear whether a sale might be needed to facilitate this move, but this situation is believed to be separate to the Gunner's pursuit of a striker and a left-winger. Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City have also all been linked with Eze.
Following Crystal Palace's FA Cup triumph in May, Eze said, "I want to win everything. Everything there is to win, for me to win, I want to win it. That's the mentality... it's always been the goal from the start." Although Palace's achievement was superb in lifting that trophy, it's the only major trophy the club has won in their entire history, and to be a serial winner, Eze will likely have to move on from the south London club. So why is the Palace midfielder wanted by so many top teams, and what could he add to a side like Arsenal?
Why Eberechi Eze is hot property
After making the move to Selhurst Park from QPR in 2020 for €17.8m, Eze has gradually asserted himself as one of the Premier League's best attacking midfielders. Injury issues have slightly halted his progress at times, but when fit, his ability to beat players and both score and create in the final third can't be matched by many other players in his position. Since Eze joined Palace in 2020, only six midfielders have provided more Premier League goal contributions than his total of 57. Not only have all of those above him played more games than Eze's 146, minus the exceptions of Kevin De Bruyne (133) and Cole Palmer (89), they have all been playing for teams that have scored more goals and mostly finished higher in the table.
Last term he had his most productive Premier League season with 16 goal contributions in 34 matches. Eze has also proven he is a man for the big occasion. He scored Palace's winning goal in the FA Cup final against Man City, and has also been on the scoresheet against Man City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool in the league in the last two seasons. The 27-year-old is a player who gets supporters out of their seats, and has a rare ability to find space in the tightest of areas. But where could he fit into this current Arsenal team should he move to the Emirates?
What could Eberechi Eze add to Arsenal?
The Gunners look set to have a busy window, having already put the steps in place to sign midfielders Martín Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. They are also rumoured to be close to reaching an agreement for Valencia defender Christhian Mosquera, and are expected to sign both a striker and a winger this summer. So with all of these additions, plus the talent already at the north London club, just where might Eze fit in? His versatility could be the key to that enigma. Eze could feasibly play off the left-wing for Arsenal, as well as the no.8 or no.10 position. He could also provide cover for Bukayo Saka off of the right-wing. During his club career, he has played over 20 games in all of the following positions: left-winger, attacking-midfield, central-midfield, and left-midfield. Eze could just provide the depth to finally get Arsenal over the line to winning a trophy.
