Eberechi Eze with Oliver Glasner
Image credit: Getty Images
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner admitted his disappointment after confirming that Eberechi Eze has played his final game for the club ahead of a £67.5 million move to Arsenal.
The 27-year-old midfielder is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days after Arsenal agreed personal terms and met Palace’s asking price. The Gunners, led by sporting director Andrea Berta and vice-chairman Tim Lewis, moved quickly to finalise the deal on Wednesday in response to Kai Havertz’s injury setback.
Eze had trained with Palace earlier in the week and was preparing to feature in Thursday’s historic Europa Conference League play-off first leg against Fredrikstad at Selhurst Park. Glasner, who had continued to select both Eze and captain Marc Guehi despite ongoing transfer speculation, revealed he was caught off guard by the player’s withdrawal.
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“Honestly, I expected that he would start today for us,” Glasner told Channel 5 before kick-off. “But he called me this morning and told me that he doesn’t feel well to play in the evening. I have to accept it, and everything else you have to ask the chairman.”
Glasner admitted the late change was far from ideal, particularly given the occasion of Palace’s first-ever European fixture.
Arsenal - Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze (Image credit: Getty Images)
“You don’t like to change your starting XI on matchday, especially in this situation,” he said. “It’s the first time in European football for Crystal Palace. But again, we have to deal with it in the best way, and that’s what we do.”
Instead of making his 168th appearance for the Eagles, Eze watched from the sidelines, leaving his final outing for the club as last weekend’s goalless draw against Chelsea.
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While some suggested Palace may have opted to protect their record sale, Glasner’s comments indicated the decision came directly from Eze.
Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta paid tribute to his teammate, acknowledging the hole Eze’s departure will leave in the squad.
“We know he’s a very good player, one of the best in our group,” Mateta said. “Everyone knows that he’s not going to be here today, but we have a big group of talented players that will give 100 per cent.”
Eze’s imminent move brings an end to his four-year spell at Selhurst Park, with Arsenal set to announce him as their latest summer signing.
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