Arsenal are still looking to add to their flurry of incoming signings this summer, with Eberechi Eze at the top of Andrea Berta’s list of targets.
The Gunners have already significantly strengthened the depth in their squad by acquiring the likes of Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Big money moves that will improve the starting eleven have also arrived in Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi, and one more could yet arrive.
Crystal Palace have now identified a replacement for Eze in the form of Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss, boosting the North Londoners’ hopes of landing the England international.
Arsenal will only sign Eberechi Eze if two things happen
The Gunners are in a precarious position in which there is currently a lack of space for a player like Eze in their squad.
The eight positions are filled by the likes of Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Ethan Nwaneri, while the left-hand side of Arsenal’s attack is covered by Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.
Thus, Arsenal aren’t sure where Eze fits into their team.
The Athletic have verified this information, adding that the Gunners are only likely to complete a deal for Palace’s talisman if a sale is made and the Eagles are willing to accept an offer lower than his release clause, which stands at £68 million.
While in theory the deal looks straightforward, with Arsenal keen on Eze and the player keen on a switch to N5, there are squad-building complications that must be considered.
Splashing in excess of £60 million on a 27-year-old could set the Gunners back in the future, while it’s also a significant fee for a player who doesn’t necessarily have a clear and defined role in Mikel Arteta’s team.
That said, if one of Trossard or Martinelli were to depart in the latter stages of the window, and Palace were to drop their asking price, then a deal is still very much on the cards.
Arsenal should sell Leandro Trossard to make room for Eberechi Eze
Leandro Trossard has been linked with Bayern Munich this summer, and this is certainly a deal the Gunners should sanction if possible.
The Belgian has shown signs of decline in the past 12 months, losing the ability to create separation from defenders in and around the box, and get high-quality shots off.
His sale could create room in Arteta’s squad for Eze, who would replace some of the things Trossard has brought, but also bring other facets to the Gunners that they currently lack.
| Statistical Comparison 2024/25 (League Only) | ||
| Stat | Eze | Trossard |
| Appearances | 34 | 38 |
| Goals | 8 | 8 |
| Assists | 8 | 7 |
| Shots per 90 | 3.48 | 2.55 |
| Expected Goals per 90 | 0.36 | 0.25 |
| Key Passes per 90 | 2.01 | 1.45 |
| Expected Assists per 90 | 0.22 | 0.22 |
| Successful Take-ons per 90 | 2.33 | 1.34 |
While Martinelli may be a more attractive sale due to the potential fee Arsenal could garner for the Brazilian, he offers the ability to stretch defences that no one else in Arteta’s squad really possesses.
If Arsenal can pull off this upgrade to their squad, they’ll be in an excellent position to launch an assault on the Premier League title next season.
from Arsenal Transfer News | Rumours, Deals & Targets | Arsenal Insider
Alfie Cairns Culshaw