Arsenal discover deadline to trigger Eberechi Eze’s transfer clause as three issues emerge

Arsenal are moving on to Eberechi Eze as their next top transfer target after landing Viktor Gyokeres, but the Gunners must move quick before the Crystal Palace star’s release clause expires in the middle of next month

Arsenal are facing obstacles in their bid to sign Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze after learning that his £68million release clause expires two weeks before the end of the transfer window.

The Gunners have switched their primary focus to signing Eze after finally sealing a move for long-term target Viktor Gyokeres, but it won’t be a simple transfer to complete.

Eze is in high demand this summer after another superb campaign for the Eagles saw him lead the club to their first ever FA Cup triumph, starring in the 2-1 win over Manchester City at Wembley.

Arsenal have been busy in this transfer as Mikel Arteta looks to finally break their cycle of agony in their bid for the Premier League title.

Gyokeres is their sixth signing of the window, following the arrivals of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke – and Eze would add some added quality into their midfield.

READ MORE: Viktor Gyokeres’ ex-team-mate doesn’t hold back after Arsenal transfer saga – ‘Unnecessary’READ MORE: Arsenal can offer Eberechi Eze dream shirt number after £34m deal that stung Mikel Arteta

According to a report by BBC Sport, Arsenal have “genuine interest” in Eze but have not shown any indications that they plan on triggering his £68m release clause.

The Gunners now have a number of issues to thrash through if they plan on getting the Eze deal. The first of those is that they’ll have to race to secure his signature before the release clause expires in the middle of August.

However, Arsenal value Eze lower than £68m and hope to strike a deal below the threshold – although they reportedly plan on selling one of their attackers before formalising a move for the England international.

That would further delay a move for Eze, edging ever closer to the release clause’s expiry date.

Adding to the club’s problems in such a deal is that Eze’s favourite position is at No 10, where Arsenal are already well stocked with captain Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz.

That means Eze could be forced to move out wide to the left, a role he can play adequately in, but he would certainly lose the freedom he currently enjoys at Selhurst Park.

Arsenal are currently on a pre-season tour of Asia, where they are preparing to face north London rivals Tottenham in Hong Kong on Thursday.

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