Eze, who turned 27 on Sunday, has a £68million release clause inserted into his current contract at Selhurst Park, payable in instalments. His deal expires in 2027. Palace are believed to value the player broadly in line with that figure and will not let him leave for a heavily cut-price fee.

Arsenal are accelerating plans to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace after reportedly holding talks with his representatives over the weekend. The 27-year-old has been tipped to leave the Eagles this summer after scoring the biggest goal in the club’s 118-year history in May: the winner against Manchester City in the FA Cup final to secure their first-ever trophy.

Arsenal are treating Eberechi Eze as a major transfer target following a key meeting held with the Crystal Palace midfielder’s agents. The Gunners are now fully aware of the England international’s salary expectations and the details of the 27-year-old’s release clause.