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Arsenal's pursuit of Eberechi Eze is gaining momentum. Personal terms have reportedly been agreed and the details of Eze's release clause has been widely known for some time.
Arteta has made it clear that he desires to strengthen his squad further before the Premier League season kicks off and the Crystal Palace attacking midfielder is seen as a player who could challenge Martinelli on the left, or play through the middle.
However, Arsenal may not have things their own way as Palace are reportedly unwilling to sell until one particular issue is resolved. It's not just the structure of the deal that is holding things up.
An agreement has reportedly been made between the clubs over the initial payment. Arsenal will pay an initial fee of €34m (£30m) and pay the rest in instalments. The total value of the deal is reportedly €78m (£68m) matching the release clause in the Crystal Palace player's current contract.
Crystal Palace are stalling on the Eze deal
Nevertheless, Crystal Palace are stalling on the deal. The reason for this is that they don't have a suitable replacement for Eze. Allegedly, they are reluctant to sell until they have a natural successor signed.
Palace's business during this transfer window has been shockingly poor. Recent reports have highlighted manager Oliver Glasner's frustration at the lack of transfer activity during this window. This is, he says, not as he was promised. Their only arrivals this season have been left-back Borna Sosa, signed for £3m and Walter Benitez, a back-up goalkeeper.
All this leaves the Eze deal hanging in the balance as the Eagles try desparately to build a squad capable of improving on last season's FA Cup winning campaign. Both Adam Wharton and Marc Guehi are reportedly being monitored by other clubs.
Palace may have identified their Eze replacement
According to footmercato.net, Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss is one of the players that Palace are looking at to replace Eze. Any progress in that transfer could lubricate the rusty lock currently shutting out the Eze move.
Ultimately, Palace may have to sell before they can buy. The initial £30m for Eze, plus guaranteed income from whichever European competition the South London club find themselves in next season, would enable them to go shopping in a reasonably exclusive market.
Mateus Fernandes, Southampton's relegated playmaker was reportedly of interest earlier in the window. Fernandes' teammate at St Mary's, Tyler Dibling, could also fit the bill.
Arsenal fans will grow increasingly impatient if there is no perceived movement on the Eze deal as the transfer deadline approaches. Many fans see Eze as the final piece of an impressive squad jigsaw that could challenge for the title next season.