Arsenal’s ambitious summer transfer window has taken on added urgency as rivals Liverpool close in on a blockbuster move for Newcastle United’s star striker Alexander Isak. With the Gunners already securing six signings, including the £64 million addition of Viktor Gyokeres, Mikel Arteta is now pushing to land Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze to bolster his attacking options. The prospect of Liverpool adding Isak to their already formidable squad has sent shockwaves through Arsenal and other title contenders, piling pressure on the Emirates to secure Eze and maintain their competitive edge in the 2025/26 Premier League race.
🚨🔴⚪️ After direct contact revealed on Monday, Eberechi Eze has opened doors to Arsenal move in clear way.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 2, 2025
He’s open to joining Arsenal project and attracted by this chance for his future.
Arsenal are informed on release clause details and more.
🎥 https://t.co/CLTLdq3lvb pic.twitter.com/P47SFhpqFX
Liverpool’s Game-Changing Move for Isak
Liverpool, under Arne Slot, are poised to shatter the British transfer record with a potential £135 million deal for Isak, who has reportedly agreed a six-year contract in principle with the Premier League champions. The Swedish striker, who scored 27 goals last season, is seen as the final piece in Slot’s attacking jigsaw, joining recent signings Florian Wirtz (£116m) and Hugo Ekitike (£79m). The sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich for £65 million has provided Liverpool with the financial muscle to pursue Isak, despite Newcastle’s insistence that he is not for sale unless they secure two replacements, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa on their radar.
Isak’s potential move to Anfield is particularly galling for Arsenal, who have long admired the 24-year-old. His pace, clinical finishing, and ability to lead the line would have complemented Arteta’s system, but Liverpool’s aggressive recruitment strategy has left the Gunners looking elsewhere to strengthen their attack. With Liverpool having scored at least 14 more league goals than any other club last season and finishing 10 points clear of second-placed Arsenal, the addition of Isak, Wirtz, and Ekitike could make them even more formidable. Arsenal, Manchester City, and other rivals now face the daunting task of keeping pace with a Liverpool side that has spent nearly £500 million this summer.
Eze: Arsenal’s Answer to Liverpool’s Firepower
To counter Liverpool’s attacking reinforcements, Arsenal have made Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze their top priority. The 27-year-old playmaker, who has a £68 million release clause in his contract, is seen as the perfect addition to address Arsenal’s need for creativity on the left side of their attack. Eze’s ability to play as a No. 10, No. 8, or left winger, combined with his dribbling, vision, and knack for “magic moments,” aligns with Arteta’s desire for a game-changer in the final third. The Gunners have reportedly agreed personal terms with Eze, a boyhood Arsenal fan who was released by the club at age 13 and is said to be “very tempted” by the opportunity to return.
🏴💎 Eberechi Eze (26) is a joy to watch. 😍
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) April 27, 2025
Scored some fantastic goals for Crystal Palace. pic.twitter.com/hepbZXfSfj
However, Arsenal’s pursuit of Eze faces hurdles. The £68 million release clause expired on August 1, 2025, meaning negotiations with Palace could be complex, especially given the Eagles’ reluctance to lose their star player. Palace manager Oliver Glasner has publicly urged the board to retain Eze, warning that his departure could derail their season. Arsenal believe they can structure a deal below the release clause, potentially involving instalments, but may need to offload players to create financial and squad space. Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, Reiss Nelson, and Oleksandr Zinchenko have been linked with exits, with Trossard’s potential departure seen as a way to accommodate Eze’s arrival.
Eze’s eight goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season, along with his performances for England, underline his quality. His signing, alongside Gyokeres and Noni Madueke, would help Arsenal address the attacking imbalance that plagued them last term, particularly on the left flank. While Gyokeres strengthens the central striker role and Madueke adds dynamism on the right, Eze’s versatility and creativity could elevate Arsenal’s attack to rival Liverpool’s firepower. For Arsenal fans, Eze’s potential homecoming carries emotional weight, offering a chance to rewrite the narrative of his earlier release from the club.
The Bigger Picture: Arsenal’s Summer and Title Ambitions
Arsenal’s transfer activity has been bold, with Gyokeres, Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and others joining for a total outlay of around £200 million. New sporting director Andrea Berta has overseen a strategic overhaul, but the absence of significant sales—unlike Liverpool’s Diaz deal—means Arsenal must be prudent in their pursuit of Eze. Selling Trossard or others could provide the funds needed to secure the Palace star, ensuring the gloss of a productive summer isn’t tarnished by Liverpool’s coup for Isak.
The Gunners face a brutal start to the Premier League season, with away games against Manchester United, Liverpool, and Newcastle, plus a home clash with Manchester City in their first six matches. A fast start is crucial to keep pace with Liverpool, who are favorites to defend their title. While Liverpool’s new signings may need time to gel, Arsenal cannot afford to rely on that hope alone. Eze’s arrival could provide the spark needed to navigate this challenging fixture list and signal Arteta’s intent to challenge for the Premier League crown for the first time since 2004.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Arsenal
Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak has raised the stakes in the Premier League title race, putting Arsenal under pressure to respond with a statement signing of their own. Eberechi Eze represents more than just a transfer target; he is a symbol of Arsenal’s ambition to compete with the best. If Arteta and Berta can navigate the financial and logistical challenges to bring Eze to the Emirates, it could shift the mood around the club and give fans reason to believe they can go toe-to-toe with Liverpool. As the transfer window enters its final month, Arsenal’s next move could define their season—and their rivalry with the champions.
