Although Arsenal are strong admirers of Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, they may decide against a move for the England international this summer.
Eze is currently at Euro 2024 with England, and was one of three substitutes who entered the pitch when Bukayo Saka was subbed against Denmark.
Despite arguably being one of England’s best performers in their underwhelming display, Gareth Southgate chose to hook Saka in the 69th minute.
Jarrod Bowen replaced Saka on the right, with Eze taking the place of Phil Foden on the left.
And just as it could prove for his Crystal Palace teammate, Marc Guehi, it seems like the Euros will be something of a shop window for Eze.
Although Palace are at the beginning of an exciting project under Oliver Glasner, Eze seems ready to pursue a move to a top club playing Champions League football.
And in that regard, Arsenal have been linked with a move for Eze who has a £60m release clause, a player who is also admired by rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal might be unwilling to pay £50m up front for Eberechi Eze this summer
Despite that interest, Alex Goldberg recently explained that Arsenal may still choose not to pursue Eze this summer.
Goldberg explained that Palace want £50m of Eze’s £60m release clause paid upfront this summer.
And although Eze is a player who is widely appreciated by Arsenal’s staff, a player who can play at left-wing or as a number eight, Goldberg said there’s doubts if the club’s interest is strong enough to pursue a deal with that structure.
Perhaps at that price, Eze would demand the majority of Arsenal’s summer funds, which may need to be concentrated elsewhere.
Signing a new number six, potentially someone who could replace Thomas Partey if he leaves Arsenal, could take precedence.
Arteta appears to have committed to the idea of playing Declan Rice as a number eight, meaning Jorginho would need better help in the scenario that Partey leaves.
Arsenal could be in the hunt for Mikel Merino instead
Interestingly, Barcelona are now worried that Arsenal may beat them to the signing of Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino this summer.
Currently at Euro 2024 with Spain, Merino is a typical number six, and perhaps is a more sensible signing in comparison to Eze.
In an ideal world, Arsenal would be chasing Eze along with a six, but it remains to be seen if funds can stretch that far.
Arsenal’s senior staff decided they want a ‘x-factor’ signing this summer, and Eze could certainly be that man.
But if Arsenal do choose to take their business elsewhere, fans would be well-advised to trust the process under both Arteta and Edu.