Wednesday Gossip: Arsenal Use Defender Swap To Break Deadlock Over £68m Eze Deal With Palace
Arsenal have stepped up negotiations to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze in a deal that could involve a player swap to offset his £68 million release clause.
The 27-year-old, who celebrated his birthday last week, is open to the move and has been privately training to maintain fitness.
Sporting director Andrea Berta has already met with Eze’s representatives, as the Gunners aim to beat Tottenham and Liverpool to his signature.
Crystal Palace remain firm on their valuation but may be tempted by Arsenal’s proposal to include a young, emerging defender who has made limited first-team appearances.
The Sun reports that this tactical shift could help unlock negotiations, especially as Palace brace for defensive changes.
Marc Guéhi is wanted by Liverpool and Newcastle, and Chadi Riad is sidelined with an ACL injury that will delay his season start.
Sporting’s Ousmane Diomande is being considered as a long-term replacement.
Palace’s earlier interest in Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah fizzled out due to concerns over his age and salary demands, redirecting focus toward younger options with more room for development.
Arsenal’s swap deal now positions them advantageously, offering Palace a more sustainable solution as they reshape their backline.
Eze is approaching the situation with professionalism, drawing inspiration from teammate Michael Olise’s Bayern Munich move, which was handled without fanfare.
Olise continued training at Palace after securing his transfer, setting an example Eze appears keen to follow.
Having scored the decisive goal in last season’s FA Cup triumph, Eze is regarded as a club legend and hopes for an exit that respects the bond he shares with the fans and staff.
Arsenal’s transfer activity has been relentless this summer. They’ve agreed personal terms with Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres, and final talks are nearing conclusion.
Deals for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi are already confirmed, with Brentford captain Christian Nørgaard next in line.
With spending mounting, a player-plus-cash deal for Eze allows Arsenal to remain strategic and compliant with financial regulations.
Though Eze is contracted at Selhurst Park until 2027, signs point to his readiness for a fresh challenge.
Mikel Arteta views him as a dynamic midfielder capable of unlocking tight defenses and contributing vital goals—qualities that could lift Arsenal’s attack to new heights in the upcoming campaign.
