Arsenal’s transfer window strategy has taken another significant turn following the completion of Viktor Gyokeres’ long-anticipated move, with Mikel Arteta now shifting focus to Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze. The Gunners, having already spent heavily this summer, are determined to bring the England international to North London as they continue strengthening their squad ahead of a demanding season across all competitions.
Eze, currently one of the most exciting attacking midfielders in the Premier League, has become a top target for Arsenal after the £63.7 million signing of Gyokeres was finalized. The North London club is believed to be preparing a formal offer in the region of £60 million, which is slightly below the 27-year-old’s £68 million release clause. Despite the gap, Arsenal hope to negotiate a deal that includes add-ons and incentives that could entice Palace into accepting.
Arsenal initiated contact toward the end of June, laying the groundwork for a potential move, but they are now stepping up their efforts with just a few weeks left before the transfer window shuts. Eze, who has continued to impress with his performances and consistency, is under contract at Selhurst Park until 2027, giving Palace no urgent reason to sell unless their valuation is met.
However, the situation has caused unrest at Crystal Palace, particularly with manager Oliver Glasner, who has openly expressed frustration at the club’s lack of incoming signings and the growing possibility of losing multiple key players. Speaking to Austrian outlet *Kronen Zeitung* during their pre-season training tour, Glasner did not mince words about his concerns.
“Even though we still have most of the players from last season, we’ve barely done any business this summer,” Glasner said. “I was told we would move early in the window to reinforce the squad, but that hasn’t happened. Right now, I’m working with just 17 outfield players. If we lose more and only bring in last-minute signings again, we risk repeating the same mistakes we made last season with a false start.”
His comments are being seen as a direct warning to the club’s hierarchy not to sell key assets like Eze, Marc Guehi, or Adam Wharton unless there are adequate replacements lined up. Glasner has reason to be concerned. In addition to Eze’s situation, Liverpool are actively pursuing Marc Guehi, who has just 12 months left on his current contract. The Reds are believed to be leading the race for the Palace captain and could make a formal bid in the coming days.
Adam Wharton, another rising star in the Palace setup, is also being monitored by several Premier League clubs. While Liverpool are reportedly interested in making a move next summer, Tottenham Hotspur are said to be willing to strike a deal this year if Palace show any willingness to sell.
Despite qualifying for European football following their FA Cup success, Palace’s activity in the transfer market has been surprisingly limited. So far, they’ve only brought in a backup goalkeeper and a reserve left-back, spending less than £4 million combined. The lack of serious reinforcements has fueled speculation that Palace might be more focused on balancing their finances than building a stronger team to compete on multiple fronts.
The club’s European qualification has also been mired in controversy. While Palace initially earned a spot in the UEFA Europa League, they were later demoted to the UEFA Conference League after being found guilty of breaching UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations. That decision has since been appealed, but the uncertainty has further complicated Palace’s summer plans and may be impacting their ability to attract top-level recruits.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s summer expenditure has already exceeded £190 million, signaling their aggressive intent to challenge for the Premier League title and go far in the UEFA Champions League. The acquisition of Gyokeres filled a major need in attack, but Arteta and sporting director Edu are now focused on boosting creativity and midfield flair—areas where Eze fits the profile perfectly.
Eze’s ability to glide past defenders, create space, and link up with attackers makes him a valuable asset for any top club. He scored nine goals and provided four assists in the Premier League last season, and his versatility allows him to operate as a No.10, a left winger, or even a central midfielder in a fluid attacking system. His composure on the ball and technical quality would provide Arteta with a unique weapon, especially when facing teams that sit deep.
From Palace’s point of view, losing Eze without properly reinforcing the squad could be disastrous, especially with the added pressure of European football and a fan base that’s beginning to question the club’s ambition. Glasner, who took over to much acclaim, is now having to manage expectations amid uncertainty over player retention and recruitment.
The manager’s thin squad, combined with external interest in multiple starters, has left him in a precarious position. “I really hope we don’t lose anyone else,” he added. “Last summer, we brought in four players on deadline day and paid the price with a slow start. I don’t want a repeat of that situation.”
As the clock ticks toward deadline day, Arsenal remain hopeful of striking a deal with Crystal Palace for Eze, though much will depend on whether the Eagles stand firm on their valuation or buckle under pressure, especially given their lack of summer signings and Glasner’s growing frustration.
In the meantime, Palace fans will be watching closely, hoping their club can keep hold of their stars and add quality reinforcements—before the window slams shut and the season kicks off with more questions than answers.
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