Opinion: Release Clause Uncertainty Puts Arsenal on the Clock for Eze Deal

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·14 August 2025

Opinion: Release Clause Uncertainty Puts Arsenal on the Clock for Eze Deal

Arsenal could be about to miss out on top transfer target Eberechi Eze unless they move quickly to fend off fierce interest from Spurs. There is a reason why Spurs wanted to find out this week if Eberechi Eze would be interested in joining them.

There have been contrasting reports regarding a release clause in the 27-year-old’s contract. Some in the media say it expired last Friday, yet other outlets claim clubs have until this Friday to offer £68 million, at which point Crystal Palace would legally be unable to ask for more.

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That is why Tottenham need to negotiate with the player and not the Eagles. In a strange way, our north London rivals may have done Arsenal a favour. The Gunners did not have a deadline set because they are ignoring the release clause, but they would be interested if their neighbours planned to trigger it.

Our preference would be to actually pay slightly more but in a more generous repayment plan. Most release clauses dictate that the majority of the fee is paid straight away. We would rather give slightly more to Selhurst Park if we can spread payments into instalments.

Learning from Zubimendi’s Deal

That is what Real Sociedad did regarding Martin Zubimendi, happy to get more money but having to wait longer. That is fine if you are the only interested party. If not, by being indecisive you leave room for someone to activate the release clause.

That is why Andrea Berta likes to talk to those on his shortlist. Our Director of Football garners as much detail as possible. In the case of Viktor Gyökeres, once the Italian learnt we were the striker’s only preference, he could call Sporting Lisbon’s bluff knowing the Swede would rebuff any bidding war.

While it is believed that Eze is keen on a return to Arsenal, he is also receptive to Spurs. In other words, Eze would love to move to the Emirates, but he is not willing to put his career on hold and wait.

The midfielder is calling our bluff. If they are serious about him being a Gunner again, it is time to make a serious offer. If the release clause exists and the talent is receptive to the deal, then if it does not happen that is purely Arsenal’s choice.

(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Time Is Running Out

It is believed the Gunners would like to offload some assets first to raise funds, but that might have been when they thought they had more time. Why risk Thomas Frank being able to sell Spurs to Eze? The only selling point would be that in a World Cup year, one part of the English capital can guarantee first-team football more than the other.

You would like to think, though, that a top player backs his ability to succeed in the face of competition. There have been positives towards our transfer strategy, but this is the negative aspect. It leaves the door open for others to walk in and leaves the player questioning how genuine your interest is.

Many Gooners will be disappointed if another creative midfielder is not added to the squad. If Eze ends up down the road, questions will be asked. Let us hope Spurs have sped up the process for the Gunners.

Your thoughts welcome in the comments.

Dan Smith

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