Why have Arsenal pulled back from signing Eberechi Eze?

This summer is a pivotal one for Arsenal.

Supporters are expecting decisive action in the transfer market, as nobody wants a repeat of previous seasons where the squad started short in key positions. Early in the window, that fear seemed to be fading.

Kepa Arrizabalaga arrived from Chelsea to provide cover in goal. Cristian Mosquera was signed to strengthen the defence. Martin Zubimendi joined as Thomas Partey’s replacement, while Christian Norgaard came in for Jorginho.

Noni Madueke has been added as depth in the wide areas and, most significantly, Viktor Gyökeres was brought in to finally address the long-standing need for a natural centre forward.

However, throughout the summer there has been a consistent call from fans for another high-level option on the left wing to challenge Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes was linked early on, but a deal always seemed improbable given his €100 million price tag, sizeable wages and uncertainty over whether he truly wanted to leave Spain.

Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze has been on Arsenal’s radar for some time. The gifted England international is capable of playing on the left but is most effective in an advanced midfield role. Arsenal have maintained a long-standing interest in the former Hale End academy player and his preference is reportedly Arsenal, despite Tottenham Hotspur showing stronger interest in recent weeks.

Eze has a £68 million release clause, a figure Arsenal have so far been unwilling to meet. Any deal would require player sales, something the club has struggled to achieve in recent years.

According to David Ornstein, Arsenal have cooled their interest following Ethan Nwaneri’s contract extension, as the teenager is seen as a player who can develop into that advanced midfield role. Spurs’ pursuit of Eze could either prompt Arsenal to act or push them towards other targets, with Lyon’s Malick Fofana one name mentioned.

If Eze were to arrive at Arsenal, he would face strong competition for his favoured position from captain Martin Ødegaard, as well as young talents Max Dowman and Nwaneri. That reality could make Tottenham a more appealing destination if guaranteed game time is a priority for him.

The final weeks of the window will be crucial for Arsenal.

Outgoings appear essential to fund further signings, with Reiss Nelson, Fábio Vieira, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Leandro Trossard, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior among those most likely to depart.

A move for Eze this summer cannot be ruled out entirely, but if Arsenal intend to act, they must do so quickly.