Crystal Palace have taken a firm stance in ongoing negotiations with Arsenal, insisting that any deal for their star playmaker Eberechi Eze must include a substantial upfront payment of £35 million as part of his £67.5 million release clause. The 27-year-old England international, who scored the winning goal in Palace’s FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City last season, has emerged as a top target for Arsenal, with initial club-to-club talks confirming Palace’s resolve to secure more than half of the total fee—comprising a £60 million base and up to £7.5 million in add-ons—in advance. Despite the clause set to expire before the Premier League season begins on August 16, Palace’s valuation remains non-negotiable, driven partly by a 20% sell-on clause owed to Queens Park Rangers from Eze’s £19.5 million transfer in 2020.[](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jul/30/crystal-palace-67m-eberechi-eze-fee-up-front-arsenal-talks-continue)[](https://www.inkl.com/news/crystal-palace-want-chunk-of-67-5m-eze-fee-up-front-as-arsenal-talks-continue)
Eze’s stellar 2024-25 campaign, where he contributed 11 goals and 14 assists in 27 Premier League starts, has made him a priority for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who seeks to bolster his attack’s creativity following injuries to key players like Martin Odegaard. Eze’s versatility as an advanced No. 8 or left winger, combined with his technical elegance and knack for breaking lines, aligns perfectly with Arteta’s fluid system. Arsenal’s discussions with Eze’s representatives last month confirmed his enthusiasm for a move to the Emirates, where he was released as a 13-year-old, adding an emotional layer to the potential transfer. However, Palace’s demand for a £35 million upfront payment has forced Arsenal to rethink their financial strategy, especially after spending over £200 million on six signings, including Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi.[](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jul/30/crystal-palace-67m-eberechi-eze-fee-up-front-arsenal-talks-continue)[](https://onefootball.com/en/news/report-675m-clause-expires-soon-as-arsenal-weigh-up-transfer-decision-41446122)
To fund the deal, Arsenal are exploring outgoings, with Fulham in advanced talks for Reiss Nelson and interest from Borussia Dortmund and other Premier League clubs in Leandro Trossard, whose contract expires in 2026. Albert Sambi Lokonga, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Fabio Vieira are also available for transfer, though market demand for these players remains uncertain. Palace’s insistence on a high upfront fee reflects their need to maximize profit, as QPR’s sell-on clause could net them approximately £7.2 million from a £67.5 million sale. Social media posts from sources like @EduardoHagn and @TheTransferOne highlight Palace’s rigid stance, with the club reportedly unwilling to accept less than the full clause amount, even post-expiry, to maintain their sporting ambitions.
The transfer saga, with the August 30 deadline looming, hinges on Arsenal’s ability to balance their books while meeting Palace’s demands. Head coach Oliver Glasner, whose contract expires next summer, expressed concerns about squad depth, stating, “I have 17 outfield players. I hope we don’t lose any more.” Palace’s proactive signings, like goalkeeper Walter Benitez and interest in Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss, suggest they are preparing for Eze’s potential exit, alongside uncertainty over captain Marc Guehi, who is wanted by Liverpool. Eze’s desire to join Arsenal and compete in the Champions League could tip the scales, but Palace’s financial demands and Arsenal’s need to sell players make this one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer battles.[](https://www.inkl.com/news/crystal-palace-want-chunk-of-67-5m-eze-fee-up-front-as-arsenal-talks-continue)[](https://onefootball.com/en/news/report-675m-deal-demands-35m-upfront-as-arsenal-continue-transfer-talks-41448207)
