Arsenal face last-minute Eberechi Eze problem after Florian Wirtz transfer blow

Arsenal could face fresh competition in their bid to land Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace with Bayern Munich joining the hunt after missing out on several of their targets.

The Gunners have identified the Eagles ace as someone they want to add this summer. Eze has enjoyed several stellar years at Selhurst Park, which has attracted plenty of admiring glances with Bayern among them.

12 months ago they raided the Premier League club for Michael Olise and could now return for Eze. The German giants have been largely unsuccessful with their major summer targets thus far. They were in the hunt for Florian Wirtz, but lost out to Liverpool.

The Bavarians also wanted Nico Williams, as did Arsenal, but the Spanish winger has chosen to remain with Athletic Bilbao, leaving both clubs to review their options. And now the Athletic understands that Bayern may rival the Gunners for Eze's signature having lost Leroy Sane this summer following his move to Galatasaray.

Eze, who was released by Arsenal at the age of 13, is believed to have a release clause of £67.5million in his contract, which runs until 2027. Palace will not accept anything less and waiting in the wings are Tottenham, who have a longstanding interest in Eze.

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According to reports, Arsenal want to pay Eze’s release clause in three instalments of around £20m, eventually making that up to £60m. They have already added Martin Zubimendi and also want to sign Viktor Gyokeres. However adding more quality on the flanks is also on their shortlist.

A successful pursuit of Eze would take their summer spend to north of £150m. Palace will be under less pressure to sell provided Marc Guehi does complete his move to Liverpool. The defender's contract is winding down and the FA Cup winners are prepared to cash in before they lose him on a free.

Eze was the match winner in the FA Cup final having also scored in the semi-final and, if he remains, would have the chance to play in Europe with the Eagles. The club are currently trying to battle for the right to compete amid recent multi-club ownership issues.

He said: "I really hope that that's not the case and I hope that Palace do get the reward for that (FA Cup win), because of what it took to actually achieve it. It would be a huge shame if that was the case, but I'm trusting that it will work out in the end. I'm sure it will work itself out and it should work itself out, because there are players who have worked to be in this position."

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