Crystal Palace are preparing to retain Eberechi Eze through a pivotal sequence of early-season fixtures, a decision that could delay interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. The 27-year-old remains central to Palace\u2019s plans as the club faces a play-off route to the Conference League.<\/p>\n
Palace are not guaranteed a place in the tournament proper. The club must negotiate two legs of a play-off against either Denmark\u2019s FC Midtjylland or Norwegian side Fredrikstad, with the first leg at Selhurst Park on Aug. 21 and the away fixture scheduled one week later. Between those ties Palace have a league meeting with Nottingham Forest on Aug. 24. The Telegraph report that the Eagles intend to line up for these three fixtures with Eze.<\/p>\n
That short-term hold could push any move to the end of the transfer window, but it is not expected to be decisive. Both north London clubs are reported to need time to generate transfer funds through sales before they can complete a deal for the attacking midfielder. Tottenham are thought to have stepped up their pursuit in recent days, though there has not yet been a formal offer. Arsenal have also not formalised their interest with a bid.<\/p>\n
Both Spurs and Arsenal are expected to miss Friday\u2019s deadline to trigger Eze\u2019s \u00a360 million ($81.4 million) release clause, preferring to pursue a lower fee. The Telegraph claim Palace have earmarked a new club-record fee for Eze that would comfortably surpass the \u00a350 million Bayern Munich paid for Michael Olise last summer.<\/p>\n
Tottenham are separately pursuing Manchester City\u2019s Savinho, who is expected to carry a similar price tag. Whether Thomas Frank\u2019s side can find the funds for both signings remains uncertain, although departures such as Richarlison, Manor Solomon and Bryan Gil would ease that process.<\/p>\n
For now Crystal Palace appear intent on keeping their leading forward through a decisive fortnight of fixtures, leaving suitors to plan for later in the window.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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