Arsenal given clear terms for Eberechi Eze transfer – Palace want £35m up front

Arsenal's long-standing interest in Eberechi Eze has entered a more serious phase — with Crystal Palace now outlining the exact terms required to make a deal happen.

According to The Guardian, the Eagles have told Arsenal that any bid must start with £35 million up front, with the remaining £32.5 million payable in structured instalments. The total deal would reach £67.5 million, bringing it closer to Eze’s reported release clause but in a format that could suit Arsenal's financial planning.

This new clarity signals progress following earlier reports that the Gunners were reluctant to trigger the clause in full. Sources now say Arsenal are considering this structure as a more workable route — and may push ahead depending on outgoings and internal valuations.

Yesterday’s story highlighted that despite tying down Ethan Nwaneri to a new long-term deal, Arsenal remain very much interested in adding a top-level attacking midfielder this summer. And Eze fits the bill.

The 27-year-old England international has admirers inside the Emirates due to his blend of creativity, ball-carrying ability and match-winning flair. Arsenal see him as someone who can operate between the lines, especially in matches where their build-up play stalls or technical variety is needed.

While the headline £67.5m figure is high, Arsenal's recruitment team believe Eze offers immediate Premier League output — and won’t require the adjustment time a foreign signing might need.

Mikel Arteta has frequently rotated Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz and Fabio Vieira in the advanced midfield role. Eze would add another dimension — with his ability to glide past players in tight spaces and operate both as a No.10 or from the left.

In games where Arsenal dominate possession, Eze's skillset could unlock low blocks. In transition-heavy matches, his ability to drive from deep and draw defenders creates space for the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.

And crucially, he has the discipline to fit into Arteta’s demanding off-ball shape — something the Arsenal boss values highly.

Arsenal know they’re not alone in admiring Eze — and Palace are right to stand firm on their valuation. The challenge is whether Arsenal can structure the deal smartly to avoid another summer standoff.

From a footballing perspective, Eze fits the club’s evolving profile perfectly. He’s homegrown, proven in the Premier League, and approaching his peak years. Unlike other targets abroad, there's no question about adaptation — he’s ready now.

Whether the board bite at the £67.5m package will come down to one thing: do they believe Eze takes them one step closer to a Premier League title?

Arsenal must now decide whether to match Crystal Palace’s structured offer terms or move on to alternative targets. With the window entering its final month and squad depth still a concern, Eze remains firmly on the radar — but the board must act swiftly if they want to avoid another opportunity slipping through.