Man City and Arsenal dealt transfer blow as Prem star's 'release clause expires'

The release clause in the contract of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has reportedly expired.

The playmaker has been heavily linked with a move away from Selhurst Park this summer, with his impressive cameos at Euro 2024 only fuelling speculation about his future further.

However, those who planned on attempting to sign Eze in the final few weeks of the transfer window have been dealt a major blow.

According to the Daily Mail, Eze’s release clause is no longer active as it expired on Friday night, meaning that those interested in the ex-QPR playmaker will need to negotiate a deal with Palace if they are to strike an agreement.

The initial clause was worth £60million, with a further £8m in add-ons. Palace are now expected to demand an increased fee from Eze’s suitors if they are approached before the end of the month.

Arsenal and Tottenham have both been linked with the 26-year-old. Eze is also admired by Manchester City and Pep Guardiola’s side have shortlisted the versatile attacker as one of the several options that could be pursued following Julian Alvarez’s move to Atletico Madrid.

Palace have been fending off interest in their key players for the majority of the transfer window. A host of clubs came forward to attempt to sign Michael Olise before Bayern Munich activated his release clause, with Fulham also desperate to secure the signature of Joachim Andersen.

Michael Guehi is also at the heart of a transfer saga. Newcastle have seen four bids for the England international rejected but they are yet to match Palace’s £65m valuation of the defender and the Magpies are now considering walking away from negotiations in favour of signing an alternative.