Overview

• Arsenal have informed Eze’s representatives they will not make a formal offer until they offload players in positions similar to his to manage squad balance and budgets.
• Tottenham have stepped up talks for the 27-year-old, prompted by James Maddison’s injury and willingness to meet Palace’s £68 million release clause.
• Palace’s reported £68 million release clause, valid until Friday, gives the club solid negotiation power as rival suitors circle.
• Theo Walcott urged Eze to remain at Selhurst Park for guaranteed game time in the run-up to next summer’s World Cup.
• Eze’s role in Palace’s FA Cup and Community Shield victories, combined with his recent England call-ups under Thomas Tuchel, has raised his market value and urgency in talks.