Arsenal are still chasing a deal for Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, as has been the case for weeks, but the Premier League star could be joined by a fairly new summer target.
Andrea Berta is pushing ahead with the club’s attempts to land Eze, already holding positive talks with his representatives and confirmation that the England attacker is very keen on donning the red and white again – 14 years after he was released from the academy set up (Fabrizio Romano).
Some media sources believe that Eze’s £60 million release clause, rising to about £68 million with add-ons, expired last Friday at 11:59pm – although other reliable outlets, like Standard Sport, now claim that the clause is actually active until August 15.
|
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports) |
Money on new signings |
|---|---|
|
19/20 – winter |
£0 |
|
20/21 – summer |
£81.5m |
|
20/21 – winter |
£900k |
|
21/22 – summer |
£156.8m |
|
21/22 – winter |
£1.8m |
|
22/23 – summer |
£121.5m |
|
22/23 – winter |
£59m |
|
23/24 – summer |
£208m |
|
23/24 – winter |
£0 |
|
24/25 – summer |
£101.5m |
|
24/25 – winter |
£0 |
|
25/26 – summer |
£208m |
As discrepancies linger over the buyout, Palace are set to demand £30 million-plus up front before letting him negotiate – which could make or break the deal (The Guardian).
Arsenal haven’t made a formal bid yet, either. Right now, Berta and Mikel Arteta are believed to be prioritising outgoings, having spent over £200 million already this summer on Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and star new number nine Viktor Gyokeres.
Eze has apparently held direct talks with both Arteta and Berta, according to talkSPORT, with Arsenal aiming to do business at around the £55 million mark.
The 27-year-old’s eagerness to make the move to north London could be key to striking a deal with Palace, but the Eagles won’t make it easy, and they’ll need to replace the talismanic creator, who bagged eight goals and eight assists in the Premier League alone last season.
While Arsenal continue to express their serious interest in signing Eze before deadline day on September 1, a new target has also emerged in recent days – Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet.
This is backed up by the BBC’s Sami Mokbel, who says that Arsenal could bring in the 20-year-old this window.
According to TEAMtalk, their interest is now developing.
Jeremy Jacquet wants to join Arsenal after “early” talks
As per the outlet, Jacquet is now very enthusiastic about joining Arsenal, and “early talks” have been held over a move which could set the Gunners back around £25 million – as the Ligue 1 side demand a premium for their exciting talent.
TT write that the France Under-21 international has been a “standout” performer across the channel, and Arsenal have extensively scouted Jacquet who’s become a top target for Arteta’s side.
Despite already signing Mosquera, who plays a similar role, Arteta is keen to add more depth defensively – which may even suggest that Jakub Kiwior’s future is uncertain amid rumoured interest from Europe.
“Jacquet is one of the best defensive prospects in France,” said football writer Phil Costa on X.
“Quite leggy, very agile, mobile and defends well in wide areas. Feels more White than Saliba (physically). He looked very promising on the ball at Clermont last season; took a lot of responsibility in their build-up.”
Jacquet only recently signed a new deal at Rennes, committing him to the club until 2029, so his side are in a very strong position to hold out for their desired £25m.
