Crystal Palace and Arsenal could be in business this summer.placeholder image
Crystal Palace and Arsenal could be in business this summer. | Getty Images
Arsenal continue to hold transfer interest in Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.
The England international enjoyed another head-turning season at Selhurst Park, scoring crucial goals, culminating in the FA Cup final winner against Manchester City. Eze was linked with a move away from the club last summer and those rumours are even hotter this year.
The leading candidates for a transfer appear to be Arsenal. With newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta in charge of transfer strategy, the Gunners are looking to have a big summer window.
Arsenal prepare Eberechi Eze swoop
Adding a new attacking midfielder or winger to the team is one of the priorities this summer and Eze has emerged as a prime candidate. Reports of Arsenal interest in the player are widespread but Mikel Arteta’s side aren’t the only ones who hold an admiration for the player.
The Standard have claimed that Bayern Munich have also joined the race for Eze this week having lost Jamal Musiala to a broken leg and dislocated ankle. The German giants just missed out on Florian Witz, who joined Liverpool, and have seen Leroy Sane and Thomas Muller depart.
Eze has a £68 million release clause in his Crystal Palace deal but it seems more likely that any suitor would try and negotiate a lower price with Crystal Palace. Should either Arsenal or Bayern Munich activate the clause, then the decision on where Eze goes will be in his hands.
If Crystal Palace end up in talks with both Bayern Munich and Arsenal over a lower fee, they can use that competition to immediately land a replacement for Eze. Oliver Glasner should be keen to see Leandro Trossard come the other way in a swap deal.
Crystal Palace should push for Leandro Trossard swap
The Mirror claims that Arsenal could sell the Belgium international for £17 million as he enters the final 12 months of his contract. Trossard has been a valuable asset at the Emirates Stadium but never quite nailed down a place in the starting XI and, with Eze coming in, could face an even greater fight for minutes.
Trossard has changed his agent in preparation for a potential exit and would surely be tempted by a move to Crystal Palace. With Eze going the other way, there’s a starting berth for the taking and he should have the chance of Europa League football.
There’s no doubting the player’s talent and drive either. Trossard has 46 Premier League goals and could slot in perfectly behind Jean-Philippe Mateta. His versatility would also allow him to move into the striker role should Glasner wish to change things up.
Speaking about the player last season, Arteta said: "Leo, I think in the last 12 months, has a lot more consistency, he's deserved that. He's had a lot of competition in his position, so that's it. Raise the level. He plays at that level, he will play like anybody else, but he has the capacity to do something special in the final third.
"Leo, naturally, is a little bit of a moaner, but I like that because he's very competitive! That's why he comes on the pitch, he can make an impact because he's got that drive and hunger of 'I'm going to show you', but I love that about him."
In other news, Crystal Palace should sign bargain £20m player Guardiola says is 'special' to replace Eze - opinion.
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