Arsenal hit Eze transfer problem after Mikel Arteta's summer spending spree

Mikel Arteta remains keen on bolstering his squad this summer but Eberechi Eze's £68m release clause is proving too spicy for Arsenal after already spending £195m.

Arsenal’s summer spending spree has not yet reached its conclusion with Mikel Arteta and transfer chief Andrea Berta still casting admiring glances at Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

The Gunners have forked out £195m on six new signings so far with the latest arrival Viktor Gyokeres in line to make his debut against Tottenham Hotspur in a Hong Kong friendly on Thursday afternoon. But Eze, who played for the club’s academy as a boy, is still being targeted with Arteta determined to have a deep enough squad finally capable of converting second place into first.

However, as reported by the Athletic, a deal is only expected to be done if Palace lower their asking price. The England attacking midfielder has a £68million release clause at Selhurst Park, which Arsenal consider too high.

And while Eze is in favour of a move across the Thames, Palace are under no financial pressure to sell - irrespective of which European competition they will be competing in.

The FA Cup winners are awaiting a decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport after submitting an appeal against UEFA’s decision to kick them out of the Europa League because the governing body decided to enforce their multi-club ownership regulations.

Instead they are set to participate in the less lucrative Conference League, with Nottingham Forest taking their place.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are gearing up for a fresh assault on the Champions League as well as domestic affairs with star man Bukayo Saka saying anticipation levels are already high in the dressing room.

“Yeah, we’re very excited we have some new signings,” Saka said on their Eastern tour. “The same group, we’re all top quality players. We have the confidence that we’re going to have a big year.”

Arsenal begin the Premier League season with a trip to Manchester United on August 17. They have already made some big moves in the transfer market but could seek further reinforcements in attack despite adding Gyokeres to their squad.