Arsenal’s summer transfer window has been defined by patience and purpose. While the headlines have largely revolved around their pursuit of a top-class striker and a dynamic left winger, David Ornstein’s latest update on Eberechi Eze may quietly be the best piece of news yet for Gunners fans.
In a report for The Athletic, Ornstein revealed that Arsenal are indeed interested in signing the Crystal Palace star but will not trigger his £68 million release clause. Instead, they’ll look to negotiate a lower fee—and crucially, their interest in Eze is separate from their more urgent search for a forward and a winger.
This is an important distinction and a subtle win for Arsenal.
Eze’s £68 million clause is steep, even in a market inflated by Saudi spending and Premier League riches. But Ornstein’s report makes it clear: Arsenal are admirers of the player and want to bring him in below that figure.
That’s significant. Eze has just helped Crystal Palace win the FA Cup and was arguably their most influential player during the club’s late-season revival under Oliver Glasner. His technical quality, press resistance, and positional flexibility make him a compelling addition. And while Arsenal won’t prioritize him over a striker or left winger, they’re clearly willing to make a calculated move should the price be right.
A few weeks ago, Tottenham were the most aggressive club in the race for Eze. Ange Postecoglou is a known admirer, and Spurs had even explored the idea of activating the full release clause. But Tottenham’s attention has now shifted to Mohammed Kudus, whose explosive final third output and versatility are better suited to their attacking setup.
This is a best-case scenario for Arsenal. Spurs cooling their interest means less market pressure, less bidding competition, and a clearer path to signing Eze on favorable terms. It also shows Arsenal aren’t chasing Eze out of fear of “missing out” but because he genuinely fits a specific midfield need.
Martin Ødegaard is Arsenal’s captain and one of their most technically gifted players—but he had a noticeably poor 2024/25 campaign. He lacked consistency, influence, and too often disappeared in big matches. That’s not a call for panic, but it’s a reality check.
Eze, fresh off a trophy-winning season and carrying clear leadership traits from his time at Palace, could be exactly the kind of player to challenge Ødegaard. Not to replace him, but to raise the level of the team. Healthy competition is how title-winning sides are built.
Arsenal don’t view Eze as a winger or forward. That’s excellent news. Too many times, clubs sign versatile players and misuse them. But Mikel Arteta seemingly sees Eze as a creative No. 8 or hybrid midfielder—a space where he can thrive without stepping on others’ toes.
If Arsenal can pull off a deal under the £68m threshold, this is the kind of under-the-radar signing that pays off in May.
Verdict: Arsenal have bigger holes to fill in attack. But Eze, at the right price, is the kind of high-upside, low-risk signing that strengthens the squad, challenges complacency, and could become a key part of their push for silverware. Ornstein’s update? It’s the best kind of quiet win.
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