Arsenal’s interest in Eberechi Eze and Xavi Simons may be fading a little following Ethan Nwaneri’s decision to sign a new contract, according to a report.
The Athletic report that Arsenal have Xavi Simons and Eberechi Eze on their list of possible targets this summer, but Ethan Nwaneri’s pending contract renewal would reportedly reduce their need to sign another midfielder.
James McNicholas suggests that Nwaneri’s new deal, which Arsenal are currently finalising, may make a move for Eze less of a priority.
That’s in spite of the fact Arsenal have explored the possibility of a move, including holding talks with Eze’s representatives. Simons is presumably an alternative to Eze, given the similarity in their positions and roles.
Prior to news on Nwaneri’s contract extension, a report from Ed Aarons of The Guardian had suggest that Arsenal were expected to step up their attempts to sign Eze, planning to make contact with Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish to discuss a potential move.
Though there were no guarantees even then, with Aarons adding that Parish was unlikely to consider any offers below the player’s release clause – reportedly £60m with £8m in add-ons.
Eze has two years left on his deal, so he’s not quite in a position to force a transfer yet.
Since then, Sami Mokbel of the BBC has reported that Arsenal have an agreement with Nwaneri for a new five-year contract, and Sam Dean of The Telegraph has confirmed that the player has put pen to paper.
Arsenal may not be ready to announce the contract extension just yet, but it’s considered to be a done deal now.
Whether or not Arsenal still plan to move for Eze at some point later in the window, the Gunners clearly need to start selling and loaning first. Both for the finances, and for the squad spaces.