Chelsea Close in on Eberechi Eze as Arsenal Pulls Out Over €80M Clause

Crystal Palace star nears Stamford Bridge switch with Chelsea eyeing value in £68M deal amid Arsenal withdrawal.

Chelsea are now in pole position to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace after Arsenal stepped away from the deal due to the player’s £68 million (€80.2 million) release clause. The attacking midfielder, one of the Premier League’s top performers last season, is expected to leave Selhurst Park this summer.

Arsenal Back Down, Chelsea Take the Lead

Despite showing strong interest in the England international, Arsenal have reportedly cooled their pursuit of Eze, with insiders revealing that the Gunners are unwilling to meet the full value of the buyout clause.

This has opened the door for Chelsea, who have already held advanced talks over the transfer, according to TEAMtalk’s Fraser Fletcher. The Blues view Eze as a smart and cost-effective alternative to Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, whose price tag stands at £90 million (€106.2 million).

Eze’s 2024/25 Season Sparks Top Club Interest

Eze had a breakthrough campaign for Crystal Palace, tallying 25 goal contributions across all competitions. His creativity, versatility, and ability to perform in high-pressure moments have attracted attention from several top Premier League clubs.

At just 26, Eze is entering his prime years, and his profile fits perfectly with Chelsea’s ongoing squad overhaul under manager Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea See Three Key Advantages Over Arsenal

Chelsea’s pursuit of Eze is driven by three main strategic advantages:

• Lower comparative cost: At £68M, Eze is significantly more affordable than other attacking midfield options on the market.
• Clearer squad role: Chelsea are prepared to offer a starting role in the No. 10 position, a role less guaranteed at Arsenal.
• Faster negotiations: With Arsenal hesitant, Chelsea can now act quickly and decisively, which aligns with Crystal Palace’s desire for a swift resolution.

Arsenal Refocuses on Other Targets

While the Gunners step back from the Eze deal, they remain busy in the market. Reports suggest progress in negotiations with Viktor Gyökeres, Noni Madueke, and Cristhian Mosquera. Arsenal’s priority remains a balanced squad, and their interest in an attacking midfielder now shifts elsewhere.