Eberechi Eze expects to miss Crystal Palace's Premier League opener against Chelsea as he nears a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports. The Eagles will visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday, but look set to travel without one of their star players amid strong interest from Spurs.
Eze is believed to be interested in a switch, with Champions League football on offer in north London, as Tottenham continue talks with Palace over his transfer fee. The 27-year-old has also been the subject of interest from Arsenal, but Mikel Arteta prioritised adding Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres to his attack.
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Spurs are working to strike a deal with Palace after Eze's £68million release clause expired on Friday, a price that neither suitor wanted to pay.
According to The Sun, he will not play a part in Palace's trip to Chelsea, indicating that a transfer agreement could be getting closer.
Thomas Frank has already added Mohammed Kudus to his attack from West Ham United, completing a £55m deal earlier this summer.
Spurs have been forced into further action, though, after James Maddison suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury that will rule him out of most of the campaign.
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Eze might not be the last attacking arrival at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as the Lilywhites continue talks with Manchester City over Savinho.
Spurs reportedly saw a bid worth £60m for the 21-year-old winger rejected, with City demanding up to £70m.
It remains to be seen whether they will return to the table, but Eze's arrival would ease Frank's need for further attacking reinforcements.
Eze has scored 40 goals and provided 28 assists in 168 appearances for Palace since arriving from Queens Park Rangers in 2020.
The talented No. 10 scored the only goal in May's historic FA Cup final triumph against City at Wembley Stadium.
He has also earned 12 caps since his England debut in June 2023 and was selected in Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad.
According to The Athletic, Palace are targeting Leicester City midfielder Bilal El Khannouss as Eze's replacement.
The 21-year-old is said to be open to a switch to Selhurst Park, which will host Conference League football this term, after Leicester's Premier League relegation.