It has been quite the summer for Crystal Palace, and that is just as much to do with the interference of UEFA as what happens in terms of transfers.
Winning the FA Cup against Manchester City in Wembley in May was perhaps the biggest day in the long history of the Eagles, and with a guaranteed place in the Europa League of next season to start, Steve Parish and the board could look forward to a number of large payment day for the club in the coming 12 months.
That was before the administrative body struck his nose and decided that rules for several club ownership would see them relegate to the Conference League.
John Textor was a 43% shareholder in Palace, but also heavily involved in the French club, Lyon, and that is against the rules of UEFA, hence the relegation.
The European misery of Palace can damage the opportunities to preserve Eze
Textor sold those shares for nearly £ 190 million to New York Jets -owner Woody Johnson to help the South Londers with their European efforts, but UEFA has not been stimulated to date.
With a hearing soon at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in which Palace will state their business, the hope that the Selhurst Park-Outfit can be repaired to the second competition of European football.
This can help to convince Star Man, and scorer of the winning goal against City in the Cup final, Ebereechi Eze, to stay.
The International of England has had a nice shape for the past 12-18 months and as a result of his star that continues to shine, London Rivals Arsenal made sounds with regard to bringing the player to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal that is not willing to meet the valuation of Palace
From this moment on, the Gunners have still not made a formal offer for Eze's services and they do not seem willing to match the £ 68 million release clause from Palace for the player.
All the while the transfer window remains open, the North Londers can afford to play a waiting game; However, the Eagles do not have to sell and can therefore work in the meantime to convince Eze that his future stays with the club.
The player is apparently open for a switch to a club that he served at the academy level from the age of eight until it is released at the age of 13, and now, at the age of 27 -is in the peak years of his time as a professional.
But what would he bring on an arsenal side that is already full of established names?
Eze's versatility would be the key to the Gunners
A versatility to be able to play in a number of attacking or midfield positions would be a clear advantage, because Eze could easily fill in for people like Bukayo Saka or Martin Odegaard were injured or just needed.
Happy to come in both wings, the Palace man has also found a home more centrally, and his ability to dictate play from where he is on the field was very much a characteristic of how the Eagles approached matches last season.
Ebereechi Eze Radar Graphic – Premier League 2024/25Opta by StatesPerform
Palace largely relied on a 4-2-3-1 formation under Oliver Glasner with occasional Tweak, and although Arsenal generally plays a 4-3-3 under Arteta, they also switched to a 4-2-3-1 when needed.
Eze's ability to seamlessly fit in both formation and his creativity will be in possession of what Arteta already has in his team, but it is his ability to score and to help that the number of Arsenal will certainly stimulate.
Better goals return than the vast majority of the Arsenal players
In 2024/25, Declan Rice managed four goals in his 35 performances in the Premier League, the same as Thomas Partey.
Odegaard had three of 30 English top-flight games, while Jorginho did not register in 15 performances.
EBERECHI EZE XG – Premier League 2024/25Opta by StatsPerform
Mikel Merino scored at the top of the midfielders of Arsenal with seven Premier League goals, although Arteta apparently used him as a goalkeeper in the last stages, and that is still three behind Eze's total of eight of his 34 games.
Only Kai Havertz of the entire Arsenal team succeeded in pipping the Palace Man (nine goals), but if we take all competitions into account, then Eze's 14 goals and 12 assists are really a return to elite level.
Ebereechi Eze Attacking Carries – Premier League 2024/25Opta by StatesPerform
His sustainability, which is often overlooked, is another facet of his all-round game, making it a valuable purchase, and only five Arsenal players were more than his 2,600 minutes in the Premier League during 24/25.
After Pidey and Jorginho lost in the summer, it is clear that Arteta has to bring in at least another midfielder before the transfer window closes.
Eze's freedom and joy are contagious
Because Martin Zubimendi has already put a pen on paper together with colleague defending midfielder Christian Norgaard, there is room for the type of player who can knit everything together.
A player who is skilled in playing the murderer ball – because those 12 assists are in all competitions last season – would prove – and be able to put an attack forward despite the fact that they are marked in the closest spaces.
Ebereechi Eze quoteopta perform by statistics
Not really a maverick, Eze does play with something that is approaching a free spirit on the field, and his pleasure is clear and contagious. Would Arteta expect a more disciplined player and really want to coach that if Arsenal makes their move?
In the end, every decision will rest with the player, and if he makes it clear that he sees his future elsewhere, Palace will have little choice than to join his wishes.