Eberechi Eze’s £68million release clause at Crystal Palace has now expired.
Eze’s buyout clause lapsed on Friday, after Standard Sport first revealed earlier this month that it would expire when the new Premier League season gets underway.
The forward has attracted interest from both Arsenal and Tottenham, but neither club wanted to pay the full £68m release clause and it was not triggered before it expired.
Spurs are still considering adding to their attacking armoury before the transfer window closes and have renewed their long-standing interest in Eze.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have held discussions with his representatives, but it is felt that they would need to make space in their squad by moving an attacking player on before any potential move for Eze.
The Eze situation could to be linked to the status of Ethan Nwaneri, who last week committed his long-term future to the Gunners by penning a new five-year contract.
Eze was previously on Arsenal’s books as a youngster until he was released at the age of 13.
The former QPR man enjoyed a superb end to last season at Palace, scoring their winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City as the Eagles won their piece of major silverware.
While the 27-year-old is happy at Selhurst Park, his future remains uncertain.
The same is true of Palace captain Marc Guehi, whose contract expires next summer but who has interest from Liverpool and other Premier League clubs this summer.
