Crystal Palace make major Thurs night Eberechi Eze decision as he closes in on Arsenal

Crystal Palace have decided that Eberechi Eze will not feature tonight when they take on Fredrikstad FK in the first-leg of the Europa Conference League play-off at Selhurst Park, according to The Sun.

The Gunners have agreed a £67.5 million deal with the Eagles to sign the England international, and it could be made official this week.

Eze could make his Arsenal debut against Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on Saturday if the necessary paperwork is in place before the end of Friday.

The 27-year-old was hoping to make his last appearances for Palace tonight as it is their first game in European competition.

However, the club have decided he should not take any risk with his move to Arsenal imminent.

Tottenham Hotspur had been favourites to sign Eze, but the Gunners came forward with a concrete offer yesterday and pipped their bitter rivals to his services.

He will be the seventh signing of the summer at Arsenal and he has always dreamt of returning to the club having played in their academy.

The North London club have added Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard to their ranks so far.

A knee injury to Kai Havertz after the game against Manchester United on Sunday forced the Gunners to move, and the knock has proven to be a blessing in disguise for Eze.

Arsenal had been waiting to sell players before making any move for him, but they could not wait any longer after losing one of their key attackers to an injury.

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta will have no excuse if he fails to win the Premier League title at the end of this season following another summer of big-money recruitment.

His transfer expenditure since becoming Arsenal boss in December 2019 will move to around £1.1 billion after Eze joins, with a net spend of approximately £750m.

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