Arsenal’s pursuit of Eberechi Eze is set to reach its conclusion, with the forward set to miss Crystal Palace’s UEFA Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad this evening.
The Eagles’ manager Oliver Glasner told supporters outside Selhurst Park that the 27-year-old will not feature in the European fixture.
Arsenal have hijacked Spurs’ deal with Crystal Palace for the transfer of Eberechi Eze | REUTERSThe England international’s absence comes as negotiations with Arsenal near completion, ending his time at the south London club.
Glasner spoke directly to fans arriving at the stadium, confirming Eze’s exclusion from the matchday squad as the forward prepares for his move to the Emirates Stadium.
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The Gunners have successfully outmanoeuvred their north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur to secure Eze’s signature.
Reports indicate Arsenal will pay £60 million upfront with an additional £7.5 million in performance-related bonuses for the attacking midfielder.
Spurs had appeared close to completing a deal for the Palace star, but Arsenal’s late intervention has redirected his destination to the Emirates.
The 27-year-old’s connections to Arsenal run deep, having trained at their Hale End academy during his youth and grown up supporting the club.
Medical examinations are reportedly scheduled for Friday, with the transfer expected to be finalised shortly after.
When questioned by supporters about whether Eze would attend to say farewell, Glasner expressed doubt about the player’s presence at the stadium.
“I don’t even know if he’s going to be here,” the Palace manager told fans outside the ground.
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Eberechi Eze helped Crystal Palace win the FA Cup last season
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Getty ImagesSky Sports reporter Gary Cotterill observed players arriving separately at Selhurst Park, noting Eze’s conspicuous absence from the pre-match arrivals.
The forward’s non-appearance suggests he may already be preparing for Arsenal’s medical assessments.
The versatile forward played a pivotal role in securing Palace’s European qualification, netting the decisive goal in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
That triumph earned the Eagles their first taste of continental competition, though they entered the Conference League rather than the Europa League.
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Oliver Glasner explained the Eberechi Eze situation to fans outside Selhurst Park
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ReutersEze featured in Palace’s season opener, a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on Sunday.
Despite ongoing transfer speculation linking him with Tottenham at that time, Glasner selected him for the Premier League fixture.
The forward has remained a beloved figure amongst Palace supporters and teammates throughout his time in south London.