Story Rewrite (By Springnewsng, July 2, 2025):

Arsenal’s hopes of signing Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze at a discount have reportedly collapsed, with the North London club now informed they must pay the full £68 million release clause to secure the attacking midfielder’s services.

According to Evening Standard sources, Crystal Palace have made it clear they will not entertain any reduced offer for the 27-year-old England international, although the clause can be activated via structured instalments. The news comes amid Arsenal’s ambitious summer transfer plans as manager Mikel Arteta aims to assemble a squad capable of finally ending Manchester City’s domestic dominance.

Eze has emerged as a top target for Arsenal, alongside RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. While Zubimendi’s potential arrival is expected to bolster the midfield, Eze is seen as a game-changing acquisition for the Gunners’ attacking unit.

Eze’s Profile and 2024/25 Performance:

Eberechi Eze had a standout 2024/25 season, delivering a total of 15 goals and 11 assists across all competitions. His long-range shooting ability, with five goals scored from outside the box, combined with his set-piece threat, makes him a versatile and dangerous forward option. Most notably, Eze scored the decisive goal in Crystal Palace’s historic FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, delivering the club its first major trophy and securing UEFA Europa League qualification.

Eze has primarily operated as a left-sided attacking midfielder but has demonstrated exceptional versatility—capable of playing as a No. 10 or left-winger—making him a tactical asset Arteta could deploy fluidly within Arsenal’s high-intensity system.

Arsenal’s Strategic Justification:

At 27, Eze represents a seasoned, Premier League-proven talent. Arteta, under increasing scrutiny after three consecutive second-place league finishes, appears to be shifting from developmental prospects to immediate impact players. Signing Eze could inject critical creativity and goal threat into the squad—a move that aligns with Arsenal’s win-now approach for the 2025/26 campaign.

However, critics argue that given Eze’s age and the size of the investment, Arsenal must extract peak performance within a limited window. Should Arteta fail to deliver major silverware after such significant spending, including a marquee acquisition like Eze, his managerial tenure could face serious reassessment.

Eze’s price tag may seem steep, but his current form, adaptability, and top-flight experience justify the valuation. If Arsenal trigger the release clause and integrate him effectively, the deal could be a masterstroke. Yet, it also raises the stakes for Arteta, who now faces heightened expectations to turn investment into immediate trophies.