HERE WE GO: Arsenal complete the signing of premier League top winger on a SEVEN years deal after reaching final agreement last night – Congratulations Arsenal fans

Eberechi Eze is eager to make his move to Arsenal, who are willing to pay less than his release clause, which effectively expires today.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Eberechi Eze is hopeful of joining Arsenal in this window, with talks over a move likely to be pushed to the latter stages. The playmaker has a release clause in his contract that expires today, 1st August, although the Gunners are hopeful of having fresh discussions with Crystal Palace as they seek to pay less than the clause.

Crystal Palace have credible power in the Eberechi Eze negotiations, at least on paper. The playmaker, who contributed to 25 goals last season and helped the team to win the FA Cup, has two years left on his deal, which may come to play in his part.

He has already told friends that a move to Arsenal could be expected, and many credible sources have stated the Gunners are his preferred destination. Since those stories linking the English playmaker with the North Londoners came about, other interested parties have backed away, and there are barely any stories linking Eze to any other team.

Arsenal have been stepping up efforts in the Eberechi Eze chase for a while now, and there may have been concrete discussions with the player’s camp. There is also a possibility of informal talks being held in the background with Palace, who had reportedly pointed them to the player’s £68 million release clause, including add-ons. Some credible reports stated the terms would have Arsenal pay £35 million up front and the rest in installments.

However, the said release clause expires today, August 1, and yet, the Gunners are not deterred. The Gunners are still in front of the queue for Eze, and remain hopeful of doing a deal in the latter stages of the window, even without the release clause, as they do not intend to pay as much and would want a lower fee in place.

Arsenal wants to pay a lower fee
Arsenal are ready to pay a reasonable value for the player, who remains keen to join up with Mike Arteta’s side. The desired figure the Gunners want to pay is closer to the likes of what Newcastle United paid for Anthony Elanga, as per reports. There’s confidence in the camp of the north Londoners that a deal could be done, but they might be angling for a few sales before bidding for the 25 G/A playmaker.

Crystal Palace are already looking at Bilal El Khannouss as a potential replacement option for Eze. However, they are also keen to do business to strengthen other areas of their pitch, and that might see them hold talks with Arsenal over a sale of Eze.