EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal prepare €60m Eze bid as Palace target big-name replacement

Steve Kay

Updated: 1 Aug 2025 20:54 BST
4 min read

Eberechi Eze, Arsenal, Crystal Palace — © IMAGO

Arsenal are preparing a first bid for Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze, FootballTransfers understands.

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A formal proposal is expected from the Gunners early next week, with the total value of their package expected to come to €60 million (£52m).

This would consist of an upfront payment of £30m (€34.5m) followed by a second instalment of £22m (€25.5m) to be paid over the next two years. We understand that Arsenal have already discussed an up-front fee of £30m with Oliver Glasner's side.

Palace have previously indicated that they want £68m (€78m) for Eze, whose release clause expires at midnight going into Saturday. It was never Arsenal’s intention to match this figure, however.

Current ETV

Eberechi Eze

AM (C), M (CL)

C. Palace

Eberechi Eze

AM (C), M (CL)

C. Palace

ETV Range

€49.4M - €60.3M

Palace target Trossard and Paqueta as Eze replacements

FootballTransfers’ sources have indicated that Oliver Glasner’s side are already weighing up replacements for Eze - including a potential move for Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard.

While Mikel Arteta is open to the Belgian remaining at the club, using him as bait to secure Eze could be an attractive proposition for the Gunners. This would likely be conducted as a separate deal for accounting purposes.

Palace’s major target to replace Eze, however, is Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United.

The Brazil international has been cleared of spot-fixing allegations that had been dogging him in recent months and might have resulted in a lifetime ban had he been found guilty. Against this backdrop, the 27-year-old, whose contract expires in two years, had a tricky campaign.

Glasner has already indicated to Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish that he wants to sign Paqueta should Eze depart for north London.

The former Lyon star has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €63m, and while West Ham are said to be open to selling the player for the right price, it is unclear what type of figure they would be willing to accept at this juncture.

Sources have indicated to FootballTransfers, meanwhile, that it has not been ruled out that Crystal Palace sign both Paqueta and Trossard in what would be a sensational double swoop for their attack.

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