Eberechi Eze to Arsenal transfer latest amid £67.5m release clause update and payment plan

Arsenal continue to be linked with Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze as they look to bolster their attack. football.london reported in May that the Gunners had set their sights on signing Eze in the summer.

The Palace star, who has a £67.5million release clause, is reportedly keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium. The 27-year-old's contract at Selhurst Park runs until June 2027. Last season, he made 34 appearances in the Premier League, netting eight goals and providing eight assists.

Eze played a pivotal role in Oliver Glasner's side, helping the Eagles secure a 12th-place finish in the Premier League. The England international also led Palace to FA Cup triumph, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the final at Wembley Stadium.

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Below are some of the latest reports on Eze's potential move to Arsenal...

'Leading contender'

Eze is a leading candidate to join Arsenal, according to claims by Football Insider. It's added that the Gunners are moving closer to agreeing a deal with Palace for the England international.

Mikel Arteta's side are reportedly willing to meet Eze's release clause, but talks are ongoing regarding the structure of the payment. Arsenal are aiming to reduce the upfront settlement and pay the rest in instalments. Eze scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 43 matches last season.

Release clause concession

Journalist Graeme Bailey has stated, via TBR Football, that Palace owner Steve Parish is open to his release clause being paid in instalments. It has been specifically stated in the report that the Eagles want between £25million to £30million as the initial fee and then £30million to £35million paid over two instalments, while there are also performance-related bonuses to consider which could inflate the final fee.

Palace blow

Any hopes of Palace keeping Eze will have been dented with the news that their hopes of playing in next season's Europa League are over - pending an appeal. The decision from UEFA stems from Palace breaching multi-club ownership rules as American businessman John Textor owns a stake in the Eagles and is the majority owner of French club Lyon, who have also qualified for the Europa League.

Eze's stance

Speaking in September last year on what the future holds for him, he said: "I'm so focused on just being the best player I can be, whatever interest comes, or whatever happens.

"I want to enjoy my football where I am right now. The things that I can control, that's it.

"I'm really, really invested in becoming the best player I can be. Whether that leads me to another club, or to whatever, I'm at peace with that - and I try to stay there (at peace) as well."