Arsenal have been cautioned that Marc Guehi's potential transfer to Liverpool could impact their chances of signing Crystal Palace star Ebere Eze, particularly if Arne Slot's team finalise a deal first.
Mikel Arteta's side have already bolstered their ranks this summer, finally recruiting striker Viktor Gyokeres and adding Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and Christian Norgaard, as well as backup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Yet, Arsenal's interest in Eze continues to be a talking point. It's expected that once the 27-year-old's release clause expires on Friday night, Arsenal's pursuit will intensify, but they've been warned of potential complications involving Guehi and Liverpool's interest in the England defender.
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talkSPORTreport that Eze's release clause will expire on Friday evening. This clause would permit a club to commence negotiations with the player for a fee of £60m plus approximately £8m in add-ons.
Arsenal have communicated to their London counterparts that they won't be activating this clause, opting instead to wait until they can offload some players, despite Eze being keen on making the Emirates his new home, reports the Mirror.
However, if Guehi were to leave Selhurst Park – potentially for Liverpool – before a deal for Eze is finalised, Arsenal could find themselves in a tricky situation. The fear is that Palace might be reluctant to lose another star player, making any move for Eze more complex.
Guehi is entering the final year of his contract in south London and has informed the club he won't be signing a new deal, effectively forcing them to sell him.
Liverpool, under the guidance of title-winning manager Slot and looking to strengthen their central defence, are seen as potential buyers. However, Palace's £40m asking price is currently more than Liverpool are prepared to pay, especially considering Guehi will be available on a free transfer next summer.
If these issues can be resolved and Liverpool secure Guehi before Arsenal can swoop for Eze, there's concern that Palace, having lost one key player, will be determined not to lose another. This could also put Liverpool at a disadvantage if they prolong negotiations for Guehi.
Liverpool's current priority appears to be a potential British record transfer for Newcastlestriker Alexander Isak, though. Despite this, experts believe the Reds have the financial clout to complete this and potentially more deals due to their strong PSR position, with further sales expected at Anfield before September.
Before Palace's triumphant FA Cup victory in May, Guehi addressed questions about his future as his contract neared its end. While he remained tight-lipped on specifics, he emphasised that prospects will be explored this summer.
"I think the most important thing is just always doing the best that I can for this football club," said the defender, who has been courted by both Newcastle and Tottenham in the past.
"I come in every day and I try to be the same. I try to work hard. And you know, this football club has given me a lot. I'm still under contract at this football club.
"My focus is always at this football club. So, you know, for me, the most important thing is just doing the best I can and seeing where the future holds."