Crystal Palace are reportedly prepared to drop Eberechi Eze for the club’s first Premier League fixture of the season in response to intensifying transfer interest in their star playmaker. The 27-year-old midfielder has been tipped to leave Selhurst Park all summer.

Eze was previously on Arsenal's books as a youngster until he was released at the age of 13. The former QPR man enjoyed a superb end to last season at Palace, scoring their winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City as the Eagles won their piece of major silverware.

Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri will be under pressure to deliver at the Emirates Stadium this season after the Gunners opted not to pursue a transfer for Eberechi Eze. The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season in north London last time around and penned a new contract in the summer.