Arsenal are prepared to meet Eberechi Eze’s release clause if they can reach an agreement over the structure of the payments.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about the Gunners’ pursuit of the 27-year-old Crystal Palace star.
While Oliver Glasner’s side are reluctant to let Eze leave, the two clubs are continuing in negotiations as Arsenal are unable to pay the full £68million up front.
Instead, they are aiming to structure the payment with a significant sum up front and the rest paid in installments, and there is a feeling progress has been made.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 30 June that Arsenal have enquired about Eze’s potential availability and have held talks with his representatives over a move.
Meanwhile, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Arsenal will step up their bid for Eze as they close in on Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres.
Brown told Football Insider on 6 July that Arsenal have held internal discussions about Eze and whether to trigger his £68million release clause.
Now, they are making headway in their pursuit of the England international midfielder and there is a growing belief that an agreement can be reached.
O’Rourke explained that while Palace will demand the release clause is paid, the Gunners do not have the FFP or PSR room to pay the full fee up front.
“It seems they are willing to try and meet that release clause for Eze,” he told Football Insider.
“It’ll be more the structure of how that £68million is paid, how much money is paid up front, maybe the rest in installments that Arsenal will be negotiating.
“It could be a real statement of intent for Arsenal after they signed Noni Madueke and are still trying to sign Viktor Gyokeres as well.
“Talks are ongoing between the two clubs, but it would be a big blow for Palace to lose him.
“Palace will demand that they do get the full release clause, but they probably won’t be able to get it all up front.
“Arsenal won’t be able to splash out £68million straight away, that might be too much for FFP and PSR.
“They want to knock down the up-front payment a bit and pay the rest in installments.
“It looks like Arsenal are making headway in their pursuit of Eze, so there’s exciting times ahead for the Gunners in the next couple of weeks.”
The potential signings of Eze and Madueke could free up space for Arteta to let some of his first-team squad leave amid speculation about Gabriel Martinelli’s future.
Brown told Football Insider on 11 July that Arsenal could accept £70million offers for Martinelli amid growing interest from Saudi Pro League clubs.
A lack of depth in the wide left position means the Gunners are keen to strengthen this summer regardless of Martinelli’s future, but believe they can upgrade on him.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider in May that Arsenal are prepared to sell Martinelli if they can land a top-class replacement in the transfer market.
