Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze looks set to complete a £60 million move to Arsenal after being left out of Palace’s European tie against Fredrikstad on Thursday. The England international was a surprise absentee, sparking confirmation from his manager that his time at Selhurst Park may already be over.
Palace boss Oliver Glasner revealed the midfielder had informed him he would not feature. “Today he called me to say that he doesn’t feel well and can’t play in the evening, and that’s why he didn’t play,” Glasner explained. When asked if Eze would ever play for Palace again, he replied with a simple: “No.”
Why Are Arsenal Moving for Eze Now?
Arsenal accelerated their push for Eze following an injury to Kai Havertz, who picked up a knee problem after the Gunners’ opening Premier League win against Manchester United. Although Havertz finished the match, he has since missed training sessions, leaving Mikel Arteta eager to add depth in midfield.
The Gunners offered improved terms to beat north London rivals Tottenham, who had been in advanced talks for Eze. The 27-year-old, however, preferred a move to Arsenal. If completed, he would become the club’s seventh signing of the summer, taking their transfer spend to over £250 million.
What Does This Mean for Crystal Palace Fans?
Eze, who famously scored the winning goal in Palace’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May, may not get the chance to bid farewell to supporters at Selhurst Park. That strike delivered the club’s first-ever major trophy, cementing his hero status in south London.
Mikel Arteta will address the media on Friday ahead of Arsenal’s league trip to Leeds, where he is expected to comment on the deal. Should Eze be unveiled, he will join Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi as part of a reshaped Arsenal side chasing their first Premier League title in 22 years after finishing runners-up to Liverpool last season.
By Yockshard Enyendi