Arsenal are aiming for a payment structure that would allow them to secure a shocking move for Eberechi Eze. The winger from Crystal Palace and England has been identified as the main target as coach Mikel Arteta tries to upgrade Arsenal's attack.
The 27-year-old has a £60 million release clause at Selhurst Park. And that puts Arsenal in a significant hurry. The Gunners spent a lot of money on Martin Zubimendi and almost reached an agreement with Christian Norgaard from Brentford. Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga also joined the Emirates this summer for a small fee.
They are also pursuing a deal for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, who could cost around £56.1 million in addition to £13 million in add-ons. If all those deals are done, Arsenal's budget this summer will run out. If they still want to buy more players, they will need to push a series of names in the current squad.
However, The Gunners are aiming to solve this problem with a more comfortable payment structure. According to The Independent, Arsenal wants to pay Eze's release fee in three installments, each round of about 20 million pounds, for a total of 60 million pounds.
The England international has two years left on his current contract and wants to move to Arsenal if he decides to leave Palace. But there is also serious interest from Liverpool.
Eze's arrival at the Emirates could make the futures of both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard questionable. Both wingers are expected to leave, with Trossard likely to move to Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta both expressed their delight at the successful closure of the Zubimendi deal. Berta said: "We are delighted to bring Martin to Arsenal and are delighted to have completed this transfer deal. Martin is our main target, he is perfectly suited to the Arsenal squad."
With Arteta, the Spanish strategist shared: "Martin is the player who will bring great quality and football intelligence to our team. He will integrate very well and have all the qualities to become our key player.
The standards he has continuously shown in recent seasons for both clubs and national teams are the reason why we are so happy to have him here. We all welcome Martin and his family to the club."
The EURO 2024 champion has signed a 5-year contract and wearing his number 36 shirt at the Emirates. These shirts have belonged to Emiliano Martinez, Ismael Bennacer, Johan Djourou and Jermaine Pennant for the past two decades.
