Crystal Palace are standing resolute in their stance over the future of star midfielder Eberechi Eze, with chairman Steve Parish signaling that the club will not entertain a cut-price deal despite growing interest from Arsenal, according to The Standard. As the transfer window heats up, Palace’s determination to retain their England international or secure a significant fee has put any potential move to the Emirates on hold, at least for now.
Eze, a 27-year-old playmaker who has been a standout performer since joining Palace from Queens Park Rangers in 2020, has attracted attention from Arsenal, who see him as a creative addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad. The versatile attacker, whose contract runs until June 2027, contributed eight goals and five assists in 27 Premier League appearances last season, helping Palace secure a respectable ninth-place finish under Oliver Glasner. His flair and goal-scoring ability have also earned him 15 caps for England, including a notable performance at Euro 2024, further boosting his market value.
Eberechi Eze - All G+A against Big Six!pic.twitter.com/hEBDrY5c5l
— AFC_Adi (@AFC_Adi06) July 1, 2025
However, Parish has made it clear that Palace are in no rush to cash in on their prized asset. Speaking to The Standard, the chairman emphasized the club’s strong negotiating position, stating, “Eberechi is a key part of our plans, and any club interested will have to meet our valuation.” Reports suggest Palace are holding out for a fee in the region of £60-70 million, a figure that reflects Eze’s importance and his status as one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents. This valuation aligns with Parish’s earlier comments in May, when he outlined a transfer policy focused on retaining core players unless offers match their market worth, following interest from Bayern Munich and Arsenal.Arsenal’s interest in Eze comes as part of a busy summer transfer window, with the Gunners already securing deals for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres (£63m), Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera (£13m), Chelsea’s Noni Madueke (£52m), Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi (£60m), Brentford’s Christian Norgaard (£15m), and Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5m). The potential addition of Eze would add further creativity to a squad that has been bolstered by over £200m in spending, though Arteta may need to offload players like Jakub Kiwior or Leandro Trossard to balance the books under Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
🚨 Arsenal put Eberechi Eze high among options to bolster attack. No contact with #CPFC yet - unclear if needs exit but serious candidate + separate to striker & winger. #AFC would look to pay below release clause. #THFC not pursuing for now @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/px2xCo8CEj
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 1, 2025
Palace’s reluctance to let Eze go is bolstered by their recent success, including an FA Cup final appearance and a strong league campaign that has seen them attract interest in other stars like Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton. Parish confirmed that the club would challenge UEFA’s decision to demote them from the Europa League, adding to their financial stability and willingness to hold firm. “We’re hopeful of overturning that ruling, and that gives us the leverage to keep our best players or demand top dollar,” he added.
The transfer saga has been given added context by a recent CNN Portugal broadcast, captured in a tweet by@karthikadhaigalon July 17, showing Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres moving furniture, hinting at his imminent £63m move to Arsenal.
🚨 Gyokeres moving furniture from his home - CNN PORTUGAL
— Doc (@karthikadhaigal) July 17, 2025
(@Sporting_CPAdep) pic.twitter.com/3IAKlio8D5
This development has intensified speculation that Arsenal may redirect funds from the Gyokeres deal toward Eze, though Palace’s high asking price could force the Gunners to explore alternatives like Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon or RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
For now, Eze remains focused on pre-season with Palace, with Glasner praising his commitment despite the transfer rumors. “Eberechi is a professional, and he knows what he means to us,”. As the transfer window progresses—closing on August 30, 2025—Arsenal fans will be watching closely to see if their club can meet Palace’s demands or if Eze will stay to lead the Eagles’ European push. With Parish holding the stronger hand, any move for the England international promises to be a drawn-out negotiation, keeping football enthusiasts on tenterhooks as the new season approaches.
