 "Arsenal are keeping an eye on Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz in case they fail to land Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze. Reuters")
Amid concerns over missing out on Eberechi Eze in the summer transfer window, with Premier League champions Liverpool also eyeing a player from the Crystal Palace camp, Mikel Arteta’s side are also “keeping a close eye” on Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz as a back-up.
According to Football Espana, Arsenal are among the clubs expressing interest in Spanish-born Moroccan winger with Madrid boss Xabi Alonso claiming he would have a “secondary role” should he choose to extend his stay at Santiago Bernabeu.
The Gunners, who had finished runners-up for a third consecutive season in May, have already made some major signings this season, the most prominent of which is securing Sporting CP’s Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres on a five-year contract worth $73 million with potential add-ons.
Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera and Kepa Arrizabalaga are some of the other players signed by the north London club ahead of the 2025-26 season, and Arsenal now have their eyes set on England and Palace midfielder Eze, who has expressed interest in moving to the Emirates Stadium.
How Liverpool stand between Arsenal and Eze
Arsenal’s pursuit of Eze, however, faces a roadblock in the form of Liverpool, who had won the Premier League for the second time in Arne Slot’s maiden season in charge earlier this year. The Reds aren’t eyeing Eze but his teammate Marc Guehi, who’s part of the team’s defence as a centre-back.
Liverpool themselves have had to deal with rejection recently, with Newcastle United turning down their £110 million bid for Swedish striker Alexander Isak , who had finished as the second-highest goal-scorer last year behind Mohamed Salah. Amid uncertainty over Isak’s release, Liverpool would be keen on securing Guehi from The Eagles.
Palace, however, aren’t likely to release two players in the ongoing window, meaning Arsenal might miss out on the Eze deal that they’re keen on.
Additionally, there are conflicting reports on the expiry of Eze’s current contract. While it was initially believed to have expired on Friday, 1 August, a report on Football365 states that Eze’s £68million release clause in fact concludes on 15 August – the day defending champions Liverpool face Bournemouth in the opening game of the 2025-26 season.
Palace have additionally demaned £35 million up front for Eze’s release, which the Gunners reportedly aren’t too keen on coughing up.