The interest of Arsenal in Ebereechi Eze remains really – but the growing of internal doubts about whether the Crystal Palace star fits their tactical puzzle has threatened a potential movement.
The Gunners have investigated the details of the Eze release clause and have weighed an offer in recent weeks. The 27-year-old has been quietly optimistic and tells those who are close to him that he believed that a switch to the Emirates was within reach this summer.
Despite the buzz, however, the move did not come out – and now the hesitation is starting to make more sense.
The Arsenal recruitment team is supposed to admire the technical quality and versatility of Eze, but there is a feeling that it is most suitable for a central attacking role. And that space is already well covered with the Mikel Arteta team.
The care is to create a tactical dilemma, because Arsenal is not sure whether they can fit another No. 10-style player in their team.
A well -placed source described how Arsenal did their homework on Eze and did the figures, but in the end they are still not entirely sure if he is what they need now.
Arsenal is not sure how Eze would fit into their Systemčtk / image Sport photo service / image
A decision will have to be made soon, but it is this uncertainty that led to the process dragging and leaving the door ajar for other clubs.
Crystal Palace, aware of the indecision of Arsenal, has worked to pull Chelsea and Tottenham in the mix in the hope of generating competition for their star man.
Eze is currently dedicated to Palace, but the presence of a release clause of £ 68 million gives top clubs a clear path if they choose to take it.
He did not actively insist on an exit – but he is ready if the right club steps ahead.
Whether Arsenal decides to move or walk away comes down to an important choice about whether they can really make room for another No. 10.
If they decide to go for it, Eze is ready to register.
If not, someone else might be able to grab him – and Arsenal could stay behind a player who admires them, bringing him to light somewhere else.