Arsenal’s pursuit of Crystal Palace’s star playmaker Eberechi Eze has intensified, with the Gunners reportedly preparing a bid for the 27-year-old attacking midfielder. Eze, who scored the decisive goal in Palace’s FA Cup final win last season, has a £68m release clause that expired on August 1, but Arsenal are hopeful of negotiating a lower fee, potentially around £55m.
With Eze’s potential departure looming, Crystal Palace are proactively seeking replacements. Manager Oliver Glasner has identified Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard as a prime candidate to fill the void. The 30-year-old Belgian forward, known for his versatility and flair, is seen as an ideal fit to maintain Palace’s attacking dynamism.
His Situation at Arsenal
Trossard, who joined Arsenal from Brighton for £27m in 2023, has been a valuable squad player, contributing eight goals and eight assists in 38 Premier League games last season. However, with his contract nearing its final year and competition from new signings like Noni Madueke, Trossard’s future at the Emirates is uncertain, making him a potential makeweight in a deal for Eze
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— Arsenal Team (@_ArsenalTeam) August 3, 2025
Crystal Palace are eyeing Arsenal's Leandro Trossard as a potential replacement for Eberechi Eze, who is a top target for the Gunners, per @stevek9KS1TV
While a swap deal was speculated, any move for Trossard would likely be separate for accounting purposes. pic.twitter.com/nqDENXO6cv
Potential Swap Deal Dynamics
Palace and Arsenal are open to a player-plus-cash deal, though likely as separate transactions for accounting purposes. Glasner admires Trossard’s ability to play across the front line, and Palace see him as a proven Premier League performer who could thrive at Selhurst Park, especially with Europa Conference League football on the horizon.
Alternative Options
In a bold move, Palace are also considering West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta alongside Trossard to bolster their attack if Eze leaves. Paqueta, recently cleared of spot-fixing allegations, is valued at around £60m, and a “sensational double swoop” could see both players join Palace, signaling their intent to remain competitive.
