Arsenal are reportedly considering a summer move for Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, with sporting director Andrea Berta holding talks with the player's representatives. The Gunners could trigger the 26-year-old's £68 million release clause, according to sources.
Eze, who scored the winning goal in this year's FA Cup final, has enjoyed his best season yet and established himself in the England squad. A move to the Emirates would offer him a return to the club where he began his career as a child, before being released at the age of 13.
Reflecting on his release, Eze previously told the Independent: 'I remember crying in my room for a solid week.' He later joined Fulham and eventually broke through at Queens Park Rangers, having also been rejected by Millwall and Sunderland. The forward considered quitting football before QPR gave him a chance.
Arsenal face competition from north London rivals Tottenham, with new Spurs boss Thomas Frank understood to be an admirer. Eze remains under contract at Selhurst Park until 2027, but Palace's qualification for the Europa League via the FA Cup is subject to a UEFA decision due to shared ownership links with Lyon.
Eze has expressed his hope that Palace's European place is not revoked, telling BBC Sport: 'It would be a huge shame... I'm positive that it won't be the case.' The Gunners, meanwhile, would be able to offer him Champions League football.
