Arsenal: Seventh signing delayed over one ‘concern’ as ‘internal’ verdict to spark Chelsea, Spurs hijack
According to reports, one ‘internal concern’ is the reason for Eberechi Eze’s proposed move from Crystal Palace to Arsenal being delayed.
Arsenal have made great progress in the transfer market in recent weeks as they have moved quickly to land five signings, including Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera.
Viktor Gyokeres, who is reportedly undergoing a medical this weekend, is due to be their sixth summer signing as that prolonged saga is finally nearing a conclusion.
Once Gyokeres is through the door, Arsenal’s summer business will be nearly finished as their focus could switch to outgoings, but they remain in the market for an attacking midfielder amid interest in Eze.
The England international was one of the standout performers in the Premier League last season as he contributed 25 goal involvements in all competitions.
Eze has a £68m release clause in his contract and this arguably represents good value for a player of his immense quality.
READ: Arsenal: Viktor Gyokeres ‘accepts’ his set punishment after ‘breaking rules’ as three ‘add-ons’ revealed
A report on Friday night from Football Transfers claimed they are ‘locked in advanced talks’ with Crystal Palace and have already ‘agreed’ on two details.
The report added:
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‘The Gunners have agreed to pay an initial €34.3m (£30m) for the England midfielder and discussions between the two clubs are now centred around the payment structure of remaining €43.5m (£38m). We understand that Crystal Palace want the entire fee paid within two years.
‘Eze has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal and he has informed Palace of his desire to complete a move to the Emirates Stadium before the end of the 2025 summer transfer window.’
‘The Gunners have agreed to pay an initial €34.3m (£30m) for the England midfielder and discussions between the two clubs are now centred around the payment structure of remaining €43.5m (£38m). We understand that Crystal Palace want the entire fee paid within two years.
‘Eze has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal and he has informed Palace of his desire to complete a move to the Emirates Stadium before the end of the 2025 summer transfer window.’
A decision will have to be made soon, but it is this uncertainty that has caused the process to drag, and left the door ajar for other clubs.
‘Crystal Palace, aware of Arsenal’s indecision, have been working to draw Chelsea and Tottenham into the mix in the hope of generating competition for their star man. Eze is committed to Palace for now, but the presence of a £68 million release clause gives top clubs a clear pathway if they choose to take it.’
Despite the fact that both players will be flying for medical exams
In a week when Douglas Luiz has been linked heavily with a return to the Premier League, West Ham United now find themselves sharing column inches with the Juventus misfit’s namesake; David Luiz.
And while a source has informed Hammers News that West Ham are not in talks with the former Aston Villa star – a stark contrast to reports coming out of Italy – it appears that the London Stadium outfit could have a key role to play in the future of a one-time Chelsea and Arsenal centre-back.
And worry not; the madcap, poodle-haired David Luiz is not on his way back to England with West Ham United.
The Hammers may have a rather unfortunate reputation for signing over-the-hill 30-somethings – Callum Wilson, for instance – but a 38-year-old David Luiz would obviously take that to parodying proportions.
The Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup champion is currently under contract with Fortaleza back home in Brazil. Though, according to Antenados do Futebol, David Luiz’s future is uncertain; A defender 15 years his junior lined up to take his place.
And, with Luizao ready to cut his West Ham career short this summer, the one-time Sao Paulo starlet is likely to be tempted by a return to Brazilian football and a switch to Fortaleza.
Fortaleza want Luizao as West Ham United misfit David Luiz’s successor
Antenados do Futebol claim that Fortaleza are ‘considering a replacement’ for David Luiz, only seven league appearances into his injury-hit spell with ‘Leao di Pici’.
In his place could come Luizao. An offer is ‘expected in the coming days’, the report adds, for a centre-back who has not played a single Premier League game since joining West Ham United from Sao Paulo two-and-a-half years ago.
“My company are willing to negotiate a loan or a permanent [deal], but it doesn’t depend only on me. Now, it depends on West Ham,” Luizao told reporters back in June. “West Ham are looking forward. If it is a loan, let it be with an [permanent option].
“They don’t rule out my going back there and even doing pre-season. But also if a deal comes up that is really good for them, they can include a purchase clause. Right now, everything is still very open.”
Luizao impressed in Poland after being shunned by Julen Lopetegui
Luizao has played solely for West Ham’s Under-21 side. He believes that the appointment Julen Lopetegui in 2024 stalled his progress, with the Spaniard also reluctant to give first-team minutes to fellow Brazilian Luis Guilherme.
“When I arrived [back in January 2023] my first six months were to be about adaptation, [playing] for the Under-21 team and then doing some training with the first-team. At the end of those six months, I would be integrated into the first team,” Luizao recalls.
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