Arsenal has reportedly reached an agreement for Eberechi Eze, but there's one barrier left to overcome, according to reports.
In the ongoing transfer saga surrounding Eberechi Eze, it appears that a move to Tottenham Hotspur is becoming increasingly likely, as Arsenal's interest has reportedly cooled due to financial constraints.
Following Crystal Palace's victory in the Community Shield, Eze put in a commendable performance, despite speculation about his future. However, the £60 million transfer fee, with an initial offer of £55 million plus £5 million in add-ons, seems to have put Arsenal at a disadvantage.
According to reports, Arsenal's sporting director Andrea Berta is reluctant to commit £30m up front for Eze's transfer without a significant sale. The Gunners have recently splurged approximately £200 million, and ongoing contract negotiations with other players have further limited their financial flexibility.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace values Eze at about £70 million, though his £68 million release clause has expired this month, giving the club more control over the negotiations. Eze himself has not pushed for a move, and is currently training with Crystal Palace.
Reports suggest that Eze could potentially slot into Arsenal's team, with Martin Zubimendi playing more as Declan Rice's equal in the center of the team during a preseason match, hinting at a possible role for Eze. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, has also shown a willingness to experiment with a more flexible midfield formation, which could accommodate Eze.
While Eze is recognised as one of the best attacking midfielders in the world, Arsenal's financial situation may prevent them from meeting Crystal Palace's asking price. As a result, the transfer of Eze to Tottenham Hotspur appears to be the more likely outcome at this stage, with no final deal done yet and ongoing financial and negotiation complexities primarily limiting Arsenal’s pursuit.
Other players linked with departures from Arsenal include Leandro Trossard, Fabio Vieira, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Albert Sambi Lokonga, and Jakub Kiwior. However, it is worth noting that none of the aforementioned players are homegrown.
Should Eze's transfer to Tottenham Hotspur be finalised, it would satisfy the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) by being added onto this year's accounts. Eze is valued at €55m according to Transfermarkt, making him a valuable asset for any club.
In the meantime, Arsenal will continue to monitor the situation, and may look to other transfer targets if their pursuit of Eze proves unsuccessful.
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