Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze this summer, but it remains to be seen if the Gunners can strike a deal for the 27-year-old
Arsenal are interested in Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, but want to offload a forward before making a formal approach. The Gunners have made six new signings so far this summer, with Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga all joining the club.
Eze is another player that has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates and he does have a £68million release clause in his contract. However, multiple reports have stated that the clause expires on Friday.
And BBC Sport are reporting that Arsenal have 'shown no inclination of triggering the forward's release fee', with the Gunners looking to sell before they make any more new signings. The report adds that Arsenal value Eze at less than £68m and 'want to negotiate a deal beneath the agreement'.
Palace have so far been unwilling to negotiate a lower fee, but it is claimed that may change later in the window. When asked about Eze's future back in May, Palace boss Oliver Glasner said: "I don't want to comment on individual players.
"We could talk about Marc Guehi, we could talk about Dean Henderson, we could talk about Adam Wharton, we could talk about Jean-Philippe Mateta, Daniel Munoz, Ismaila Sarr who played an incredible, outstanding season for us. We won't sell all of them."
And Glasner has been left frustrated with Palace's lack of business so far this summer, having only spent £3m on a backup goalkeeper and a left-back. "Even though all the players are still here, we haven't made the most of the transfer window so far," Glasner admitted.
"I was promised that we would be more active and bring in the new players earlier this year. As of now, I have 17 outfield players.
"I hope we don't lose any more. If that happens and we get four new ones on deadline day like last year, another false start is possible."
Palace's business has been complicated by the fact that they are still waiting to find out which European competition they will be playing in next season. Palace qualified for the Europa League after winning the FA Cup last season, but have been demoted to the Conference League by UEFA.
UEFA ruled that they had breached their multi-club ownership rules, but Palace have lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport and a decision is expected before August 11.