Arsenal's interest in Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is one of the worst-kept secrets of the summer transfer window and Palace have set out the ground rules for negotiations, according to reports.
The Gunners are pursuing England international Eze after securing the services of former Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Gyokeres joined on a five-year contract for a reported fee that could rise to £63.5 million and Arsenal will have to dig deep again if they're to get their hands on Eze.
The 27-year-old moved to the Eagles from Queens Park Rangers five years ago and took the Premier League by storm, swaggering his way into the senior England team and helping his club to their first-ever major trophy.
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Last season's famous FA Cup win took Palace into the Europa League but a release clause could yet be Eze's springboard into Champions League football.
Unfortunately for Arsenal, triggering Eze's clause might not be as simple as naming the £60 million plus add-ons listed as his release clause.
It's also stipulated that a bidding club would need to pay £35 million up front in order to do the deal.
The Guardian reports that talks between the clubs have begun and Palace aren't minded to be lowballed with any fee lower than the clause.
"The clause includes up to £7.5m in add-ons and is thought to expire before the Premier League season kicks off on 16 August, although that is not understood to affect Palace’s valuation of the player," writes Ed Aarons.
"QPR are believed to be due 15% of any profit Palace make on the sale. Arsenal officials are understood to have met with Eze’s representatives last month to discuss personal terms and he is thought to be keen to return to the club where he was released as a 13-year-old."
Eze has been outstanding in his five seasons at Selhurst Park, attracting the admiration of former Palace star and England manager Gareth Southgate. He has since been capped by Thomas Tuchel too.
He's scored 34 goals in 146 Premier League matches for Palace and racked up 23 assists for good measure.
Palace have been able to hold on to their players so far this summer after selling Michael Olise to Bayern Munich last year.
Arsenal's business has been a statement of intent, with Gyokeres joining Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard. Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi on the new arrivals list ahead of their Premier League title challenge in 2025-26.
Topics: Football, Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Premier League
Chris Nee