Liverpool have power to soon ‘complicate’ Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze transfer despite star’s desire

Arsenal remain keen on recruiting Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze before the summer transfer window shuts, but Liverpool’s pursuit of Eagles centre-back Marc Guehi could scupper proceedings

Arsenal have been warned that Marc Guehi’s potential move to Liverpool could hinder their prospects of signing Crystal Palace ace Eberechi Eze – especially if Arne Slot’s side get a deal done first. The Gunners are fully expected to submit a bid for Eze before the window slams shut.

Mikel Arteta’s side have already strengthened in key areas this summer, finally securing a striker in the form of Viktor Gyokeres and adding Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and Christian Norgaard, as well as deputy goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

However, their well-documented interest in Eze remains. It is anticipated that, upon the expiration of the 27-year-old’s release clause on Friday night, the Gunners’ pursuit will be ramped up. But they have now been issued a warning regarding Palace captain Guehi and his prospective Liverpool switch.

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talkSPORT report that Eze’s release clause expires on Friday evening. This clause would allow a club to enter negotiations with the player for a fee of £60m plus around £8m in add-ons.

Arsenal have informed their London rivals that they will not be activating said clause, instead waiting until they can offload some players first, even though Eze is keen on a move to the Emirates.

Yet, should Guehi depart Selhurst Park – potentially to Liverpool – before any deal for Eze is struck, then Arsenal could face a problem. In that case, the expectation is the Eagles may refuse to let another star player leave, and it is highlighted how a move for Eze could become extra complicated.

Guehi is entering the last year of his deal in south London and informed the club this summer that he will not be penning a new deal, all but forcing their hand to offload him.

Arne Slot’s title-winning Reds, interested in bolstering their central defensive ranks, are a likely suitor. However, Palace’s asking price of £40m is currently more than Liverpool are willing to pay, given that he would be available for free next summer.

If these discrepancies are ironed out, though, and Liverpool purchase Guehi before Arsenal can pounce on Eze, the worry is that Palace will set up shop having lost one key asset and be desperate not to lose another. This may also disadvantage Liverpool if they drag out a deal for Guehi.

The Reds’ current focus seems to be on a possible British record transfer for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, although experts feel they have the financial muscle to get that and potentially more business done due to their healthy position with PSR, while more sales are expected at Anfield before September.

Before Palace’s momentous FA Cup win in May, Guehi was asked about his future in light of his contract winding down, and while he stayed coy, he made it clear he will be exploring his prospects.

“I think the most important thing is just always doing the best that I can for this football club,” admitted the Englishman, who was subject to a £65m bid from Newcastle last summer.

“I come in every day and I try to be the same. I try to work hard. And you know, this football club has given me a lot. I’m still under contract at this football club.

“My focus is always at this football club. So, you know, for me, the most important thing is just doing the best I can and seeing where the future holds.”

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