Eberechi Eze Nears Arsenal Move After Missing Palace’s European Clash

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is reportedly on the brink of a £60 million move to Arsenal, after being left out of the squad for the Eagles’ UEFA Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad on Thursday.

The 27-year-old England international was absent from both the starting XI and the bench, fueling speculation that a transfer to north London is imminent. Palace manager Oliver Glasner offered no comment on Eze’s omission, further intensifying rumours of his departure.

Eze’s absence from what could have been his farewell appearance at Selhurst Park disappointed many fans. The midfielder is a cult hero among Palace supporters, particularly after scoring the winning goal in the club’s historic FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May — Palace’s first-ever major trophy.

While Tottenham Hotspur had been considered front-runners for Eze’s signature earlier in the summer, their north London rivals Arsenal now appear to have hijacked the deal. If completed, Eze would become Arsenal’s seventh signing of the summer transfer window, taking the club’s spending to over £250 million.

The Gunners have already secured major additions including striker Viktor Gyokeres and midfielder Martin Zubimendi. Manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen to bolster his midfield further following a knee injury to Kai Havertz, who missed Wednesday’s open training session at the Emirates.

Although Havertz featured as a substitute in last weekend’s 1–0 win over Manchester United, his fitness remains uncertain. Arteta is eager to maintain depth in the squad as Arsenal look to end their 22-year Premier League title drought, having finished second to Liverpool last season.

Eze’s potential signing also marks a remarkable turnaround in his career — the player was released by Arsenal at age 13, only to return over a decade later as a marquee signing.

Meanwhile, Tottenham — who endured a disappointing 17th-place league finish last season despite winning the Europa League — have missed out on one of their top targets.

Arteta is expected to address the transfer situation when he speaks to the media on Friday, ahead of Arsenal’s weekend trip to Leeds United.