Eberechi Eze ‘to make final call’ as Aston Villa ready transfer pay out
Eberechi Eze is a wanted man this summer, and Aston Villa are one of many clubs keen on landing the midfielder.
The 26-year-old enjoyed the season of his career after leading Crystal Palace to their first-ever major trophy in the FA Cup.
Villa and Unai Emery want to sign an attacking midfielder to replace the departing Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio.
While Alejandro Garnacho has been linked with a move to Villa Park, Eze is another serious option for Emery and Monchi.
Eze can decide his Crystal Palace future with buy-out clause
The odds of Aston Villa landing Garnacho have shortened, but there are doubts over whether the Villans can afford him.
With that in mind, Emery will need to look at other targets, and Eze is a player who would be slightly more affordable.
That is because Eze has a buy-out clause of £68million at Crystal Palace, a figure that is still considerable.
Villa have been linked with Eze, along with Newcastle United, although Palace are desperate to keep him, according to The Mirror (23 June).
The midfielder enjoyed a standout season for the Eagles, notching 25 goal contributions in all competitions.
| Eberechi Eze’s 2024/25 Premier League statistics | Total |
| Appearances | 34 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 8 |
| Touches | 46.6 |
| Accurate passes | 21.9 (82%) |
| Big chances created | 11 |
However, The Mirror states that the Villans face serious competition from Tottenham, who believe they can land him this summer.
If the England international’s buy-out clause is triggered, then the decision will rest with him.
Champions League factor could cost Aston Villa in Eze pursuit
While the Villa Park outfit are an appealing prospect, their lack of Champions League football will stand against them.
If Crystal Palace are a Europa League side next season, then they will be on even ground with Emery’s side.
That would represent something of a sideways switch for Eze, who must be eyeing Champions League football.
Tottenham can offer the 26-year-old that, but then again, there is uncertainty about how they will perform next season.
Eze has two years left on his Palace contract, meaning the Eagles do not have to cash in on him this summer.
Even if they do, then Eze will take some convincing to move to the West Midlands.
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