Eberechi Eze's deadline day! Crystal Palace star's £68m release clause set to expire as Eagles bid to keep playmaker out of Arsenal's clutches

The 27-year-old playmaker has become a much sought-after asset on the back of eye-catching performances for the Eagles and England. He is considered to be at his peak, with a new challenge potentially on the cards.

Palace are understandably reluctant to sell, with every effort being made to keep FA Cup winner Eze at Selhurst Park. Said cause will be made easier if they can make it through to the end of August 1 without a deal being done.

BBC Sport claims that is when a clause in Eze’s contract expires - two weeks before the start of the 2025-26 Premier League season. Palace would be able to demand a much higher fee after that point.

They may have to discuss a sale at some point as Eze has only two years left to run on his current deal. His market value will drop if fresh terms are not thrashed out and he approaches the final 12 months of his contract at Palace.

The Daily Mail are among those to have reported that Arsenal remain in the hunt for Eze’s signature. They have, however, already spent big on Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Cristhian Mosquera this summer, meaning that funds need to be generated from sales in order to make further additions.