Arsenal are stepping up their efforts to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, with negotiations reportedly progressing toward a potential player-plus-cash deal, according to FootballTransfers. The Gunners are keen to reduce the impact of Eze’s £68 million release clause by including a player in the deal, while contract discussions with Leandro Trossard could play a crucial role in facilitating the transfer.
Eze, 27, has emerged as a key target for Mikel Arteta as Arsenal seek to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 season. The England international had a standout campaign last term, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists in 43 appearances, including the decisive goal in Palace’s historic FA Cup final win over Manchester City. His versatility across the frontline and midfield positions makes him an ideal addition to Arteta’s dynamic, high-tempo system.
Sources close to the negotiations claim that Arsenal have already reached an informal agreement on personal terms with Eze, who is reportedly “desperate” to return to the club he supported as a child. Eze was previously part of Arsenal’s academy before being released at age 13, and he now sees the potential move as a dream return.
Crystal Palace, however, are standing firm on Eze’s £68 million release clause, which is structured to be paid in three £20 million installments with up to £8 million in performance-related add-ons. Arsenal are working to navigate financial constraints under the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), and are exploring ways to structure the deal creatively, including separate player transactions to balance the books.
FootballTransfers reports that Palace manager Oliver Glasner is an admirer of Leandro Trossard, who is among the players Arsenal could offer as part of the broader deal. Trossard’s future remains uncertain amid stalled contract talks and interest from Bayern Munich and Saudi Pro League clubs. Arsenal have also approached Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira to assess their interest in joining Palace, with Nelson also attracting interest from Bournemouth, while Vieira is being monitored by Nottingham Forest.
Sami Mokbel of the BBC recently confirmed Arsenal are “not ruling out” Trossard’s departure, highlighting that his current contract “does not reflect his importance and output.” The 30-year-old has recorded 28 goals and 22 assists in 123 appearances for Arsenal and could prove an attractive option for Palace as they navigate a challenging summer marked by UEFA’s ban from the Europa League due to multi-club ownership issues.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Eberechi Eze comes amid an aggressive summer transfer campaign that has already seen the arrivals of Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5 million from Chelsea), Martin Zubimendi (£51 million from Real Sociedad), and Christian Norgaard (£15 million from Brentford). A deal worth €63.5 million (£55 million) plus €10 million in add-ons for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres is also nearing completion, according to Fabrizio Romano. Meanwhile, a £52 million move for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke is in advanced stages, signaling a complete revamp of Arteta’s frontline.
Romano also reports that Arsenal remain in contact with Eze’s agents and hope to negotiate a fee below the release clause later in the window. Palace’s willingness to consider a player exchange could be pivotal, especially given the positive transfer relationship between the two clubs, evident in recent deals involving Eddie Nketiah, Albert Sambi Lokonga, and Rob Holding.
