Report: Arsenal readying move for Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze

Discussions on the player's side have already taken place over the past two weeks, with key figures from Arsenal's recruitment and football departments involved.

Eze, 27, is understood to be open to the move, and personal terms are not expected to pose any obstacles should Arsenal decide to proceed.

The attacking midfielder impressed last season, registering eight goals and eight assists in the Premier League for Palace.

Although Eze has a 68-million-pounds release clause in his contract, Arsenal are keen to avoid triggering it outright.

Instead, the North London club hope to negotiate a more favourable deal and could contact Palace as early as this week to explore their options.

Arsenal view Eze as a central attacking option, potentially adding creativity and goal threat to Mikel Arteta's midfield.

The pursuit of Eze is not connected to the imminent signing of Noni Madueke, who has just passed his medical ahead of a 52-million-pound switch from Chelsea.

Madueke is expected to offer competition for Bukayo Saka on the right wing but is also capable of operating on the left, adding versatility to the Gunners' wide options.