Bukayo Saka's warning to Arsenal stars about Eberechi Eze as £70m transfer eyed

Arsenal are reportedly preparing a £70 million bid for Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze, who tops their transfer wishlist after signing Viktor Gyokeres. Eze, a lifelong Arsenal fan, is said to be keen on the move.

Bukayo Saka has publicly endorsed Eze, singling him out last year as the England squad member who impressed him most in training, stating, "Eze has been class in training. He has impressed me the most, I would say."

Former teammate Joel Lynch, who played with Eze at QPR, strongly praised Eze's ability, recalling avoiding him in training due to his exceptional skills: "I wouldn't go near him because he'd just do some madness and try and nutmeg me." Lynch described Eze as "miles above the rest," a "class act," and the "prime example of how to be a professional," admitting he watches the Premier League now just to see Eze play.

Eze still has two years remaining on his Crystal Palace contract, strengthening their negotiating position for a high fee. Arsenal, however, are looking to negotiate the price down, having already spent nearly £200 million this summer on new signings including Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Cristhian Mosquera. Signing Eze would push Arsenal's total summer spending beyond £250 million, a club record for a single season.

Eze joined Crystal Palace from QPR in 2020 and became a key player. His form earned him his first England cap in 2023 and a place in the Euro 2024 squad. Last season, he was instrumental in Crystal Palace winning their first major trophy, scoring the crucial goal in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.