Arsenal are accelerating their attempts to sign Eberechi Eze with the player increasingly keen to join the Gunners. Mikel Arteta is keen to add more creativity and versatility to his attack this summer after last season’s title challenge was undermined by injuries to key personnel.

Eze, who turned 27 on Sunday, has a £68million release clause inserted into his current contract at Selhurst Park, payable in instalments. His deal expires in 2027. Palace are believed to value the player broadly in line with that figure and will not let him leave for a heavily cut-price fee.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made a final decision over whether or not to pay out the £68million release clause to sign one of their chief tormentors, Eberechi Eze, this summer, amid firm interest from north London rivals Arsenal.