Arsenal would prefer to sell a forward before making a formal move for Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace, according to a report.
Speculation around an Arsenal move for Eberechi Eze has been ramping up ever since Viktor Gyokeres completed his transfer to north London, and reports this week have confirmed that the Gunners have at least held initial talks with Crystal Palace over the prospect.
Yet Sami Mokbel reports for the BBC that well-placed sources are indicating Arsenal would prefer to sell a forward before formalising their interest with a bid.
Though Mokbel confirms Palace are aware of Arsenal’s interest, there’s also an issue with the two clubs’ respective valuations. Palace want the player’s £68m release clause in full, whilst Arsenal value Eze at a lower figure and want to negotiate.
Palace chairman Steve Parish has shown no indication he’d be open to negotiating at a lower price, though perhaps the player having just two years left on his deal may eventually lead to a compromise.
For Eze’s part, Mokbel reports that the player is very open to joining Arsenal, but he’s also not desperate to leave his current club. An offer from the Gunners would be hard to resist, but it doesn’t sound like he’ll want to force it through.
Ed Aarons of The Guardian reported this week that Palace want £35m of Eze’s release clause paid upfront, and the clause is set to expire before the start of the Premier League campaign on August 16th.
Although it’s worth mentioning that multiple sources have confirmed that Eze’s release clause expiring wouldn’t change Palace’s valuation. They want the same £68m package regardless.
In terms of Arsenal forwards who could leave, the three most realistic options appear to be Reiss Nelson, Leandro Trossard, and Fabio Vieira.
Fulham are already in advanced talks over a move for Nelson, and Trossard has recently been linked with Borussia Dortmund. Vieira is still on holiday after FC Porto’s participation at the Club World Cup amid tentative links to West Ham United, but he certainly appears to be available for transfer.
Should one or more of those moves go through, perhaps then we’ll start to see some progress on Eze.