Eberechi Eze to Arsenal transfer timeline emerges as key date edges closer

There is still plenty of time in the summer transfer window for Eberechi Eze to become the final man to bolster Mikel Arteta's Arsenal squad for another Premier League title push.

Highly active in the market this July, the Gunners have secured a number of the targets they set out to recruit before the summer began. Striker Viktor Gyokeres is the latest to join, following on from Cristhian Mosquera, Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

It won't be seen until the season starts how this changes the fortunes of Arteta's side but the biggest difference supporters will wish to see is in attack.

Last season Arsenal scored less than 70 Premier League goals. Their struggles in attack, alongside the number of injuries members of the squad suffered, left Arteta's men unable to keep pace with eventual champions Liverpool.

So, there is a sense that Arsenal may not be done with their business and Palace ace Eze is one possible target. The 27-year-old has 34 goals and 23 assists in 146 English top-flight appearances.

By shifting squad members who are looking at limited playing time in the upcoming season, sporting director Andrea Berta could acquire the funds to pay Eze's £67.5m release clause.

Luckily, he might just have the time afforded to do so.

Taking a broader view of Palace, the South London club have been reserved in their summer business so far with only two arrivals and no departures confirmed. That is no surprise when considering they have a battle with European football governing body UEFA hanging overhead.

The Eagles have been barred from next season's Europa League - a prize for winning the 2024/25 FA Cup - over broken multi-club ownership rules linked to French side Lyon.

They could end up playing in the Europa Conference League as a result, although the club have lodged an appeal lodged to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which has said a verdict will be delivered on or before Monday, August 11.

Eze, like other players linked with moves away from Selhurst Park, may be waiting to decide their futures until after the decision is made.

Doing well at a higher level of European competition alongside regular strong Premier League performances could be the end difference in Thomas Tuchel's considerations for naming the England squad for next summer's FIFA World Cup - another factor that will be playing on English players' minds.

So, Arsenal can watch on from North London to see what the Palace verdict is in less than two weeks' time. It gives them the opportunity to raise funds between now and then.

The only downside of note would derive from the season starting less than one week after the verdict, as the Gunners open the season against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 17.

Eze is at least building up his fitness playing for Palace this pre-season, even if he would have to take the time to learn Arteta's tactical demands.

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.