Crystal Palace will not like what Andrea Berta has just decided to do to sign Eberechi Eze for Arsenal

Arsenal have long admired Eberechi Eze, and it is no secret that the club want to bring him to the Emirates. The need for a player of his profile has become even more pressing after their recent loss to Tottenham Hotspur during pre-season in Hong Kong. The defeat underlined the team’s shortcomings in the attacking third, where creativity and incisiveness were lacking. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta knows that to challenge for the Premier League title this season, his side must be more unpredictable and dangerous in possession, especially when facing low-block defences. Eze, with his flair, intelligence, and agility, fits that bill perfectly.

Andrea Berta, the highly respected director who is helping oversee Arsenal’s transfer strategy this summer, has decided to push ahead with a formal offer to try and prise Eze away from Crystal Palace. The timing is important. Eze’s release clause, valued at a total of £68 million, just expired on Friday night, meaning Palace are no longer legally bound to accept any fee around that mark. However, the Gunners are still planning to test the waters with a package worth £52 million. That deal would include £30 million up front, with the rest made up of add-ons paid across the next two years.

Crystal Palace are unlikely to be pleased by this bid. From their perspective, Eze is not only their best player but also someone around whom they are building their team. He is entering the prime of his career and remains under contract for another two years. That gives the Eagles leverage, and sources close to the club have suggested they are holding out for a sum greater than his expired release clause. The club are standing firm, insisting they want a figure north of £68 million to even begin negotiations. Palace know the market well and understand that a player of Eze’s profile and pedigree could easily command more from another Premier League side or even a top club on the continent.

This puts Arsenal in a tricky position. They are clearly admirers of Eze and see him as a transformative player, but they also know they must be smart with how they allocate funds. With other areas of the pitch also requiring reinforcement and financial fair play considerations still in play, Arsenal are hoping to negotiate a more favourable deal. Berta is said to be optimistic that Palace will eventually soften their stance, especially as the player has just two years left on his current contract. If no extension is agreed soon, Palace could risk losing him for a lower fee next summer.

Behind the scenes, Arsenal’s interest in Eze has grown over the past year. Scouts have been tracking his performances, and Arteta himself has spoken highly of the player in internal meetings. What stands out about Eze is his ability to glide past defenders, retain possession under pressure, and deliver in the final third. These attributes are precisely what Arsenal have been missing in the absence of a consistent attacking midfielder. With Martin Ødegaard playing slightly deeper and Kai Havertz still adjusting to life at Arsenal, there is room for someone like Eze to come in and offer something different.

What complicates this potential move even further is the competition. Arsenal are not alone in their admiration of Eze. Other Premier League clubs are also monitoring the situation, and there is always the possibility that a foreign club could step in with a more lucrative offer. That is why Berta wants to move quickly. The plan is to submit the bid within the coming week and open formal discussions with Crystal Palace. Eze himself is thought to be open to the move. Having broken into the England squad and shown he can thrive at the highest level, he may see a switch to Arsenal as the logical next step in his career.

Arteta’s vision for this season is clear. He wants a more versatile, more fluid team, and that means having players who can perform multiple roles. Eze has shown he can play as a number ten, a winger, or even as a second striker. His versatility makes him a valuable asset in a squad that will be fighting on multiple fronts this year. Arsenal are back in the Champions League, competing for domestic trophies, and the fixture list will be relentless. Depth will be crucial, and that is another reason why Eze is so attractive to the Gunners’ hierarchy.

The player has enjoyed a steady rise since joining Palace from Queens Park Rangers in 2020. His development has been impressive, overcoming a serious Achilles injury and returning even stronger. Last season, Eze was among Palace’s top performers, scoring crucial goals and assisting others. His work rate, attitude, and resilience have earned him praise from coaches and pundits alike. He has also become a fan favourite, and it will not be easy for Palace supporters to see him leave. But the allure of playing Champions League football and competing for titles could prove irresistible.

For Arsenal, this summer has already seen significant movement in the transfer market. The club have added six new players and continue to assess opportunities in both midfield and defence. But it is in attack that they feel one more addition could make all the difference. They missed out on some other targets earlier in the window, and now Eze has emerged as their primary creative target. The hope is that his arrival would not only boost the team’s performance but also lift the mood at the club and among the fans.

It is understood that Berta has already spoken to intermediaries about the structure of the deal. The £52 million package is seen as a starting point. Arsenal are willing to be flexible in terms of performance-based bonuses and future incentives, including clauses related to appearances, goals, assists, and team achievements. Palace, on the other hand, are holding firm, insisting they will not be bullied into selling their star asset on the cheap. Their stance is clear: any deal must reflect Eze’s true value, and until that happens, no agreement will be reached.

What happens next will depend on how far Arsenal are willing to go. If Berta returns with an improved offer closer to £60-65 million upfront, there is a feeling that Palace might be tempted. The Eagles are not in desperate need to sell, but every club has its price. The challenge for Arsenal is to find the sweet spot, where the offer is strong enough to be taken seriously but still within their budget.

Another factor to consider is the player’s own intentions. While Eze has not publicly expressed a desire to leave, sources suggest he would welcome a move to a bigger club if the opportunity arises. He is ambitious and sees himself competing for the biggest honours in the game. A switch to Arsenal would give him that platform and the chance to play alongside some of the best young talents in Europe. The fact that Arsenal have qualified for the Champions League again also makes them a more attractive destination.

If the move does go through, it will mark another significant step in Arsenal’s evolution under Arteta. The Spaniard has worked hard to rebuild the team, instil a new culture, and bring in players who match his philosophy. Eze fits that mould perfectly. He is technically gifted, tactically intelligent, and mentally strong. He is also at an age where he is ready to take the next leap in his career. The Gunners believe he can be a game-changer, someone who can make the difference in tight matches and unlock stubborn defences.

Palace, for their part, will try to hold on to their man for as long as possible. They know replacing him will be difficult, and losing him so late in the window could disrupt their own plans. But football is a business, and if the right offer comes in, even the most reluctant clubs have to consider it. That is what Arsenal are counting on. They are confident that a deal can be struck, even if it takes time and patience.

This transfer saga is far from over. With the Premier League season fast approaching, both clubs will want clarity. Arsenal need to know if they can count on Eze to bolster their squad, while Palace need to prepare for life without their star man if the move does go through. The next few days will be crucial. Negotiations will intensify, offers may be revised, and a resolution could be reached sooner than expected.

As things stand, Arsenal remain committed to signing Eze. Berta is working tirelessly behind the scenes, and Arteta is fully behind the move. They see Eze not just as a signing but as a statement of intent. If they can pull it off, it will show that Arsenal mean business this season. For Palace, it will be a blow, but one that could be softened by a large financial windfall. In the end, this is a transfer that could work out for all parties – but only if the price is right and the timing perfect.