Eberechi Eze release clause expires as Arsenal rally

Eberechi Eze’s £68 million release clause has expired on Friday, August 1, leaving Crystal Palace and Arsenal at crossroads.

Arsenal remain keen on the 27-year-old, who has reportedly expressed interest in a move to the Emirates.

However, the Gunners are yet to meet Palace’s valuation, hoping instead to negotiate a reduced fee later in the window.

According to the BBC, with the clause expiring two weeks before the Premier League kicks off, Arsenal are betting on Palace’s willingness to strike a lower deal rather than risk Eze entering the final year of his contract.

Eze has been a standout performer for Palace, registering 40 goals and 28 assists in 167 appearances, and played a key role in their FA Cup title win last season.

His creativity and capability of playing as a No.10 or off the left, make him a natural fit for Mikel Arteta’s system.

Arsenal are reportedly looking to offload at least one forward before formalising a bid, with the transfer window open until September 1.

The expiry of the release clause doesn’t end Arsenal’s interest, but it removes the buyout shortcut, placing the ball firmly in Palace’s court over negotiations.