Eberechi Eze ‘Tells Friends’ He’s Joining Arsenal as Transfer Talks Advance

Arsenal are edging closer to securing one of their most exciting attacking targets of the summer, with reports indicating that Eberechi Eze has told friends he expects to complete a move to the Emirates Stadium. According to TBR Football, the Crystal Palace playmaker has privately revealed his intention to join Mikel Arteta’s side, while discussions between the clubs are already underway.

Eze, 27, has emerged as a key name on Arsenal’s shortlist as the club continues to reshape its attacking department ahead of the 2025/26 season. Arsenal have long admired the England international, whose technical brilliance, flair, and ability to unlock defences have made him one of the Premier League’s standout talents outside the traditional top six.

While no agreement has been finalised yet, Arsenal have now held talks with both Crystal Palace and the player’s camp to explore the conditions of a potential deal. The discussions are said to be progressing positively, with personal terms not expected to be an issue. Eze is believed to be enthusiastic about the move and keen to test himself at Champions League level under Arteta’s guidance.

Arsenal view Eze as someone who can thrive in multiple roles across the frontline. His creativity and ball-carrying ability offer a unique blend in a squad already packed with technical talent. With the potential departures of players like Leandro Trossard and Reiss Nelson being explored, the addition of Eze would inject freshness and dynamism into the squad.

Crystal Palace, for their part, remain firm in pointing to Eze’s release clause, which stands at around £68 million. While Arsenal are reportedly reluctant to meet the full amount, they are willing to table a significant offer and may look to include structured add-ons or even player exchanges to bring the total package closer to Palace’s valuation.

Eze’s camp has not denied the recent speculation, and the player himself has remained tight-lipped in public, though sources suggest he is fully focused on making the step up. His form last season—registering double figures in goals and assists—has attracted interest from multiple top clubs, but Arsenal are currently seen as the frontrunners for his signature.

Mikel Arteta is believed to be personally involved in the pursuit, having already spoken to Eze to outline his vision for how the player would fit into Arsenal’s system. With Arsenal still exploring other deals—including the final stages of the Viktor Gyökeres signing and midfield reinforcements—the club’s ambition in the transfer window is clear.

If a deal for Eze is finalised, it would mark another major statement from Arsenal as they continue to build a squad capable of challenging for domestic and European honours. The Gunners are expected to accelerate talks in the coming days, with all parties hopeful that a breakthrough can be reached before the start of the new season.