Arsenal approach Crystal Palace for Eze with 'one' key demand

Arsenal’s summer business is unfolding with purpose as the club looks to end its long wait for major silverware under Mikel Arteta.

After falling short in the Premier League title race again last season, this time to Liverpool, the Gunners have wasted no time in strengthening their squad.

Deals for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and midfielder Martin Zubimendi have already been confirmed, while Christian Norgaard has arrived from Brentford in a £12 million [$16m] transfer to add stability in the middle of the park.

The Gunners are on the verge of finalising a deal with Sporting CP for striker Viktor Gyökeres, with hopes of wrapping up the transfer within in next few day for a fee of €73.5 million [$85m]

But the club knows one thing is still missing, a player who can unlock defenses from midfield with imagination and drive and that search has led Arsenal directly to Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

Arsenal makes one key demand to Palace over Eze fee

According to Football Insider, Arsenal are willing to activate Eze’s £68m [$91m] release clause – but on the condition that Palace accept payment in instalments.

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The club do not want to pay all the money immediately and are offering an arrangement where they pay a large amount up front and make payments through the tenure of the agreement.

Journalist Ben Jacobs reports that formal talks are set to continue this week, with Arsenal hoping Palace will show flexibility on the terms.

Eze is said to be interested in the move, driven by a desire to play Champions League football and challenge for major honors, but he won’t push for an exit himself.

Arsenal news and related links

• Arsenal plot clever payment plan to sign Premier League star
• Arsenal told Viktor Gyökeres asking price after initial bid rejected
• Why La Liga star could be statement signing for Arsenal as deal close to completion