As the summer transfer window heats up, the saga surrounding Crystal Palace's dynamic midfielder Eberechi Eze continues to captivate Premier League fans and clubs alike. Manchester United, Arsenal, and several other top teams have shown keen interest in securing the 27-year-old England international, whose stellar performances last season have made him one of the most sought-after midfielders in the league.
Manchester United has reportedly made initial contact with Eze's representatives, signaling their intent to bolster their midfield options following the departures of Christian Eriksen and the expected loan exit of Tobby Collyer. While United's primary focus this transfer window has been strengthening their attacking ranks—with signings like Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford—the club is also eyeing midfield reinforcements. Ruben Amorim, Manchester United's manager, is keen to integrate a midfielder who can seamlessly fit into his preferred 3-4-2-1 system. Alongside Eze, other midfield targets on United's radar include Douglas Luiz from Juventus, Ederson from Atalanta, and Adam Wharton, also of Crystal Palace.
Despite United's long-standing admiration for Eze, who netted 15 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions last season while playing a pivotal role in Palace's FA Cup triumph, the Red Devils face stiff competition. Bayern Munich has emerged as a formidable contender for Eze's signature, while Tottenham Hotspur has also been linked with the midfielder in previous windows. However, recent reports suggest Tottenham may have shifted their focus to alternative targets.
Arsenal, meanwhile, appear to be leading the race for Eze. According to CaughtOffside, the Gunners have made significant strides in their pursuit, preparing an offer reportedly worth £30 million upfront, with an additional £38 million to be paid in installments over the next two years, totaling £68 million. Discussions over the payment structure are ongoing, and while no final agreement has been reached, progress is evident behind the scenes. Arsenal's interest is further underscored by their readiness to advance if Crystal Palace lowers their asking price, which currently aligns with Eze's £68 million release clause.
However, The Athletic reports that Arsenal remains somewhat reluctant to meet Palace's full valuation, especially given Eze's age—he turned 27 in June 2025. The club is cautiously weighing the financial implications, especially after already spending £194 million in the current transfer window. Arsenal's strategy includes potentially raising funds through the departure of fringe players such as Oleksandr Zinchenko, Reiss Nelson, and Fabio Vieira, the latter of whom has attracted interest from West Ham United.
Adding to the intrigue, Liverpool has entered the fray for Eze as they look to compensate for the anticipated departure of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich. Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton is also a target for Liverpool, though Tottenham might attempt to sign him this summer. Chelsea remains interested in Eze but has shown reluctance to trigger his release clause.
On the pitch, Eze continues to demonstrate why he is a prized asset. During Crystal Palace's first pre-season friendly against Mainz 05 in Austria on July 29, 2025, Eze was central to the team's attacking play. Palace head coach Oliver Glasner confirmed the match format, which consisted of two 60-minute games. Eze started alongside key players like Adam Wharton and Jean-Phillipe Mateta.
Despite Mainz's dominance in the first half, Eze orchestrated Palace's offensive efforts, delivering incisive through balls to Mateta and Ismalia Sarr, who came close to scoring. In the second half, Eze positioned himself closer to goal, firing a shot over the bar and nearly breaking through Mainz's defense following clever interplay between Wharton and Sarr. Palace eventually took the lead through Mateta, though Mainz equalized late on. Eze's performance reaffirmed his status as Palace's talisman and key player.
Off the field, Palace's transfer dealings are complicated by uncertainty over their European competition status. After winning the FA Cup, Palace qualified for Europe but were demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League due to a UEFA ruling on multi-club ownership. The club has appealed the decision but remains in limbo, which has impacted their activity in the transfer market.
Coach Oliver Glasner has expressed frustration with the club's lack of movement in the transfer window, having only added a backup goalkeeper and a left-back for around £3 million. Speaking to the Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung, Glasner lamented, "Even though all the players are still here, we haven't made the most of the transfer window so far. I was promised that we would be more active and bring in the new players earlier this year. As of now, I have 17 outfield players. I hope we don't lose any more. If that happens and we get four new ones on deadline day like last year, another false start is possible." His comments underscore the precarious situation Palace faces, especially with interest in key players like Eze, Marc Guehi, and Wharton.
Arsenal's pursuit of Eze has intensified following their recent signing of Viktor Gyokeres for £63.7 million. With Gyokeres secured, the Gunners have made Eze their priority as the transfer window approaches its final month. Reports from Mirror Football indicate Arsenal opened talks over Eze towards the end of June 2025 and are aiming to negotiate a deal around £60 million with incentives, below the player's £68 million release clause.
Gunnerblog, a respected Arsenal commentator, summarized the club's stance on social media, stating, "Eze interest is very clear - but it’s not a deal #AFC are prepared to do at any cost. They’ll have a valuation and will be prepared to wait & see what develops. 6 signings already & good progress on renewals means they can be patient & see how final weeks of window play out." This measured approach reflects Arsenal's desire to balance ambition with financial prudence.
As the transfer window ticks down, the Eze saga remains a compelling storyline. Manchester United's initial contacts, Arsenal's aggressive pursuit tempered by valuation concerns, Bayern Munich's looming presence, and Liverpool's entry into the market all contribute to a tense battle for one of the Premier League's most exciting midfield talents. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace's precarious position adds another layer of complexity, with coach Glasner's warnings highlighting the risks of selling key players prematurely.
For now, Eze continues to shine for Palace, proving his worth on the pitch and fueling speculation off it. Whether he remains an Eagle or takes flight to a Premier League giant remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the next chapter of his career and the fortunes of the clubs involved.
