'I was promised!' - Oliver Glasner fumes at Crystal Palace's transfer business as FA Cup winners fight to keep Arsenal target Eberechi Eze

While Arsenal's offer does not quite match the £67 million ($90m) release clause embedded in Eze’s current contract at Selhurst Park, there remains a sense of optimism that a deal could be negotiated without hostility. Compounding Palace’s concerns, Eze himself is understood to be interested in joining Mikel Arteta’s evolving Arsenal side. The midfielder reportedly sees the move as a chance to challenge for silverware and play Champions League football, making his departure all the more likely.

Glasner has made no secret of his growing concern about the current state of Palace’s transfer dealings. Following their remarkable FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, the Austrian tactician was assured by the club’s leadership that reinforcements would arrive in good time to help build on the club’s momentum. Yet, with the new season fast approaching, Glasner’s squad remains worryingly thin.

Speaking candidly to the Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung, Glasner said: "Even though all the players are still here, we haven’t made the most of the transfer window so far. I was promised that we would be more active and bring in the new players earlier this year.

"As of now, I have 17 outfield players! I hope we don’t lose any more. If that happens and we get four new ones on deadline day like last year, another false start is possible."

Losing a key figure like Eze would be a significant blow for Glasner, especially given the lack of meaningful transfer activity so far. Aside from the recent acquisition of Borna Sosa from Ajax on a three-year contract, Palace have remained inactive in the market. With pre-season fixtures already underway, the need for reinforcements has become urgent. They will next face German side Augsburg before a highly anticipated showdown with Liverpool in the Community Shield on August 10.