Report: £67.5m deal demands £35m upfront as Arsenal continue transfer talks | OneFootball

Arsenal Face Financial Hurdle in Pursuit of Eberechi Eze

Eze Deal Hinges on Big Upfront Payment

Arsenal’s summer spending spree may have hit a stumbling block as Crystal Palace dig in over Eberechi Eze’s price tag. As reported by The Guardian, Palace are insisting on £35 million upfront should Arsenal wish to activate the forward’s £60 million release clause—rising to a potential £67.5 million with bonuses.

Eze, who still has two years left on his Selhurst Park contract, is thought to be open to the move. Talks with his representatives took place last month, and the 27-year-old reportedly has an emotional connection to Arsenal, having been released by the club at age 13. But Palace are holding firm. They paid up to £19.5 million to sign Eze from QPR in 2020 and are now seeking maximum value, especially with QPR due 15% of any profit on a sale.

Palace Set on Strong Start

Palace’s tough stance isn’t just about business—it’s about sporting ambition too. Manager Oliver Glasner has voiced frustration over the lack of signings, warning of “another false start” if reinforcements don’t arrive promptly. Speaking to Austrian outlet Kronen Zeitung, Glasner said: “I was promised that we would be more active and bring in the new players earlier this year.” Currently, the Eagles have added only two new faces—goalkeeper Walter Benítez and defender Borna Sosa.

Arsenal’s Squad Juggle Continues

To facilitate a deal for Eze, Arsenal are reportedly looking to offload fringe players. Leandro Trossard, whose contract expires next summer, is attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund and domestic rivals. Fulham are targeting Reiss Nelson, while Sambi Lokonga, Zinchenko, and Fábio Vieira could also be moved on.

The Gunners have already spent over £200 million on six players this summer. Eze’s fee, particularly the hefty £35 million initial payment, would further test their financial juggling.

Guéhi Future Adds to Palace’s Uncertainty

Meanwhile, Palace face another battle to keep hold of captain Marc Guéhi. Liverpool remain interested, but no bid has met Palace’s valuation. Replacement options are already being scoped, with Ousmane Diomande and Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss reportedly on the radar.

Photo: IMAGO

Eze’s impact last season was undeniable, scoring the FA Cup final winner against Manchester City and leading Palace to a 12th-place finish. If he does leave, it won’t be without a fight.

“Even though all the players are still here, we haven’t made the most of the transfer window so far,” Glasner admitted—a statement that reflects the high-stakes decisions facing both Palace and Arsenal in the weeks ahead.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal standpoint, the pursuit of Eze ticks several boxes—Premier League proven, in his prime at 27, and technically gifted with an eye for goal in key moments. His FA Cup final winner against Manchester City is evidence enough of his match-winning capabilities. For a squad needing more consistent creative output behind the striker, Eze could be a game-changer.

However, Palace’s demand for £35m upfront complicates things. Arsenal have already stretched their financial muscle this window, and the club’s ability to generate funds from player sales is questionable. Moving on the likes of Vieira or Trossard is no guarantee of a quick return, especially given uncertain market demand.

Ultimately, while Eze would fit well into Arteta’s system—capable of playing as an advanced 8 or wide left—this deal may hinge on timing. If Arsenal delay and Palace lose patience, it could well be another star that slips through their fingers.