Arsenal - Eberechi Eze
Image credit: Getty Images
Crystal Palace have unveiled their home kit for the 2025/26 season but it’s the absence of star midfielder Eberechi Eze from the promotional campaign that has captured headlines, intensifying speculation over a potential move to Arsenal.
The new kit, designed by Macron Sports, features a modern take on Palace’s iconic red and blue stripes, with players such as Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton at the forefront of the launch. However, Eze, widely regarded as Palace’s talisman and a central figure in last season’s FA Cup triumph was conspicuously absent from all promotional material, sparking questions about his future at Selhurst Park.
The omission has been interpreted by fans and pundits alike as a strong indication that Eze is on the verge of a high-profile departure, with Arsenal emerging as the frontrunner to secure his signature. Reports suggest that the Gunners have held positive talks with the 27-year-old’s representatives and are working to finalise a deal ahead of the new campaign.
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Arsenal’s pursuit of Eberechi Eze is well-documented, with particular interest in his £68 million release clause, comprising an initial £60 million payable in three installments, plus £8 million in performance-based add-ons. While Crystal Palace are holding firm on that valuation, Arsenal are reportedly exploring a player-plus-cash offer, with a “promising defender” potentially included to reduce the fee.
The stripes stay, but now they’ve evolved.
Introducing our 25/26 @MacronSports Home Kit ❤️💙#CPFC
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) July 12, 2025
Eze’s impressive 2024/25 season saw him register 25 goal involvements, eight goals and 17 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions. His creativity, flair, and ability to operate both as a No. 10 and on the left flank have made him a standout in the Premier League and an ideal candidate for Mikel Arteta’s tactical setup at Arsenal. He has also earned 12 England caps, further boosting his profile.
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Arsenal, who finished last season short of silverware and hampered by injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Jesus, are undergoing a significant squad revamp. The Gunners have already secured the signings of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea (£5 million), Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad (£51 million), and Christian Nørgaard from Brentford (up to £12 million with add-ons). They are also in advanced negotiations to bring in Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres.
Arsenal - Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze (Image credit: Getty Images)
Eze’s potential arrival would add much-needed dynamism and depth to Arsenal’s attacking ranks, particularly in breaking down compact defences, a frequent stumbling block last season.
Journalist Ben Jacobs reported over the weekend that Eze is enthusiastic about the prospect of joining Arsenal, with talks ongoing between both parties. Meanwhile, pundit Gary Lineker has claimed that the move is “likely to materialise” and could be concluded swiftly if Arsenal meet Palace’s demands.
Palace’s decision to exclude Eze from the kit reveal has only fuelled these rumours. While logistical reasons could explain his absence, the fact that other high-profile players linked with exits like Guehi and Wharton were featured, suggests Palace may be preparing for his departure. The Eagles’ drop from the Europa League to the Europa Conference League may also influence Eze’s decision, as he eyes a move to a club offering Champions League football.
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