Eberechi Eze to Arsenal transfer tipped as Rodrygo reality clear

Arsenal and Mikel Arteta are at a crucial point in their association with the Gunners looking to end their wait for Premier League silverware. The Spaniard has finished marginally behind the Premier League winners in each of the last three seasons.

The north London club have strengthened in each department from goalkeeper to attack this summer but their efforts to sign Eberechi Eze and reinforce other areas is likely to continue with the prospect of silverware on the horizon. The arrival of Viktor Gyokeres ended a long battle to bring the Sweden international from Sporting CP.

Arsenal face a tricky start to the Premier League campaign and the focus is very much on Arteta after a number of seasons without silverware and narrowly missing out on returning to the peak of English football.

READ MORE: Arsenal have already been told why they should sign superstar compared to both Ronaldos

READ MORE: Arsenal star Jurrien Timber part of new £2m decision - 'What impressed me most'

They also fell at one of the final hurdles in Europe after losing out to eventual Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final last season.

The performance was one of their best in Europe for some time with memorable wins along the way including home and away triumphs over Real Madrid.

Now, with their Premier League opener at Manchester United on the horizon and the transfer window now into its penultimate month, time is ticking to add reinforcements.

football.london has now examined the deals United could complete before the end of the transfer window, looking at the latest odds from bet365.

Ins

Eberechi Eze

Eze has remained a player of interest and the Crystal Palace attacker has a release clause which expires before the start of the Premier League campaign.

It is understood that the Selhurst Park club want at least £35million up front in any deal, but the Gunners are believed not to be concerned about the clause with the hope of negotiating a better fee.

Bet365are offering markets for players' next clubs after the deadline next month and Arsenal are favourites to sign Eze at 4/7.

A Selhurst Park stay comes in at second favourite at 11/8 before Chelsea are regarded as outsiders at 16/1,

football.london's Joe Doyle says: It's no secret that Arsenal are significantly interested in a move for Eberechi Eze, and football.london understands the player also wants the move to happen.

But whether they're prepared to make an offer that Crystal Palace find acceptable is another matter. Palace have had a near-non-existent transfer window so far this summer, spending just £3m as the ongoing case around their bid to play Europa League football in the coming season casts a cloud over their plans.

The Eagles don't want to lose Eze and while they have allowed the likes of Michael Olise to leave previously, it's only been on their terms. Arsenal will try to drive down the price, but with two years remaining on his contract, Palace do hold most of the cards when it comes to negotiations.

If Arsenal manage to move on some players and free up more money to spend, the move could definitely happen.

Rodrygo

Arsenal have been repeatedly linked with a move for Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo.

The Brazilian has found his place in the Los Blancos starting 11 come under immense scrutiny and more so since the Club World Cup when he was named on the bench for their previous four outings after Arda Guler was preferred.

With the World Cup less than 12 months away, Rodrgyo faces a decision whether he should stay in Madrid to fight for a place in Xabi Alonso's side or to explore his options, with a host of suitors mentioned.

However, Bet365 odds suggest that a La Liga stay is most likely at 10/11 with Manchester City leading the charge among Premier League clubs at 2/1 to sign him as Liverpool trail behind at 4/1.

Arsenal have drifted to a long 12/1.

football.london's Joe Doyle says: This one seems a little less likely. While there is interest in Rodrygo from the red side of north London, Real Madrid sound like they would want a big fee to allow him to leave - certainly more than it would take to sign Eze.

But if Arsenal can't get the Palace star, they certainly could look to make a move later in the window. While uncertainty surrounds Gabriel Martinelli's future, Rodrygo will be one to watch.

A lot will depend on whether the player wants to force his way out of the club. He has a deal until 2028, so Real Madrid are in a strong position. Perhaps a loan deal would be one which suits all parties.

Ollie Watkins

With Arsenal having secured the capture of Gyokeres, a striker is now not on the club's agenda. Watkins was a target for the Gunners in January with attempts made to convince the lifelong supporter of the club to sign from Aston Villa.

However, Villa resisted those offers with Jhon Duran sold to Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr, negating the need for a big sale in their bid to comply with financial fair play rules.

Bet365 have priced up the Gunners at a big 20/1 to sign Watkins with him remaining at Villa favoured with 8/13 odds being offered.

football.london's Joe Doyle says: With the signing of Viktor Gyokeres secured, this is a deal that won't be happening.

January's move to sign the Villa striker was likely influenced by the run of injuries affecting the Gunners, with both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus undergoing surgery prior to the bid.

But the Gunners have been decisive this summer in moving on to other targets, with Benjamin Sesko and Alexander Isak also considered before a definitive move for Gyokeres was made.

Watkins was said to have pushed for a move back in the winter, but it didn't happen; the boat has been missed, and unfortunately for him that looks to have been his only chance to secure a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Find all the latest Arsenal transfer odds with bet365 here.

18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Begambleaware.org.