Arsenal are currently trying to close the gap on Liverpool.
The Gunners offered little resistance in last season’s Premier League title race, finishing ten points adrift of Liverpool, with 14 draws in 38 matches proving costly.
To strengthen their title push, Arsenal are close to landing Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke, following the £55.8m signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
They are also keen on Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, but a fresh move from Liverpool could now pose a serious obstacle for Andrea Berta, the club’s Director of Football.
Liverpool Open Talks to Sign Jean-Philippe Mateta, Which Could Make Eberechi Eze Pursuit Harder for Arsenal
Foot Mercato now report that Liverpool have recently held talks with the representatives of Jean-Philippe Mateta as they look to strengthen their attacking options.
The French outlet claims the Crystal Palace striker could command a fee of up to €60m (£52m) this summer.
Arsenal had been hoping to secure a deal for Eberechi Eze below his £68m release clause, but a £52m injection from Liverpool into Crystal Palace’s coffers could reduce the Eagles’ need to sell, making them more likely to insist on the full asking price.
With deals for Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, and Cristhian Mosquera expected to cost £52m, £63m, and £17.3m respectively – on top of the £55.8m already spent on Martin Zubimendi, £15m on Christian Norgaard, and £5m on Kepa Arrizabalaga – Arsenal’s budget is expected to be stretched.
As a result, the inability to negotiate a reduced fee for Eze may turn into a major hurdle for Andrea Berta during talks.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal may be able to avoid this looming issue by accelerating their efforts to sign the England international.
According to The Guardian, Arsenal are preparing to enter talks with Crystal Palace regarding Eberechi Eze. However, their immediate focus appears to be on deals for Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, and Jhon Mosquera, which could give Liverpool an opening to take the initiative by advancing their move for Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Plenty is clearly unfolding at the Emirates at the moment, but Liverpool’s discussions concerning the Crystal Palace striker will surely give Berta reason to reconsider his priorities.
In other news, Forget Hugo Ekitike – Liverpool Might Already Have Their New Striker Without Spending a Penny