Tottenham appear to be leading the race to sign Eberechi Eze, a target of Arsenal’s this summer.
Eze’s preference is Arsenal, but that won’t stop Spurs from testing their luck in the transfer window.
The England international is in demand in North London, with Tottenham looking for a player of his profile in response to James Maddison’s injury.
Though Spurs understand Eze wants Arsenal, the Lilywhites hold an advantage in negotiations, as one thing is slowing how fast Andrea Berta can act.
Fulham could revive Reiss Nelson interest
Tottenham are ready to deal quickly with Crystal Palace over Eze, who has a release clause of £68m.
The issue comes as Arsenal are holding off from tabling an offer until some players are shifted, with the books needing to be balanced.
Leandro Trossard could leave, and he’s not the only one, as Reiss Nelson is looking for a new club.
Arsenal want to offload the Hale End graduate permanently, but a loan with an option to buy is the most likely way Nelson will depart.
Fulham are interested in Nelson, but progress between the two London clubs on the transfer front took a turn for the worse, as the Cottagers turned their attention to a different target.
Fortunately, there could be a way for Arsenal to get back into conversation with Fulham over Nelson’s sale.
As reported by the Standard, Fulham have had an opening offer for top winger target Kevin rejected.
Shakhtar Donetsk want a fee almost £20m higher than Marco Silva’s offer, making it unclear how the Premier League side will respond.
The Standard’s update brought Nelson back into conversation, noting that Arsenal are open to offers for the Englishman, who is said to be open to returning to Craven Cottage.
It’s suspected that Fulham’s work in the transfer window will ‘ramp up’ over the next few weeks, with all eyes on whether the London club could turn their heads back in Nelson’s direction.
Arsenal need to act fast to land Eberechi Eze
Selling Nelson is important this summer, as his departure would present a transaction of pure-profit, being a product of Arsenal’s academy.
Another reason why a sale is crucial, not just regarding Nelson, is to give Berta some leeway to explore a potential deal for Eze.
Arteta already has a plan for Eze at Arsenal, recognising what the Englishman could add to his attack.
There is a need for urgency, however, as Spurs have started to get the ball rolling.
Sales need to happen, fast, if Arsenal truly want to acquire Eze, who won’t be available for very long if Tottenham have their way.
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