Arsenal lead race but Liverpool links persist for Palace star | OneFootball

Liverpool Monitor Eze Situation Amidst Evolving Transfer Picture

Eze Interest Reignited at Anfield

Liverpool’s summer rebuild continues to take shape under Arne Slot, and while the focus has rightly paused in light of Diogo Jota’s tragic passing, transfer activity behind the scenes shows no signs of slowing. According to The Independent, Liverpool maintain a “long-standing interest” in Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, and sources suggest the club could be ready to act.

Arsenal are currently considered frontrunners, reportedly “working on a payment structure for a bid” that would allow them to meet Palace’s valuation without breaching PSR regulations. Eze has a £60 million release clause in his contract, though payment by instalments would require Palace’s approval rather than simply triggering the clause outright.

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Slot’s Attack Under Review

The forward line at Liverpool is in a state of potential flux. Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz are both reportedly drawing interest from clubs on the continent. Diaz recently admitted he is “negotiating” with interested parties, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich among those circling.

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That leaves Liverpool in a precarious position should either player depart. Eze’s versatility is crucial in this regard. While most at home in the No. 10 role, he has featured extensively on the left wing and across attacking midfield, giving Slot flexibility in reshaping his forward options. His record of 80 appearances as a wide attacker offers compelling tactical balance should Diaz be sold.

Homegrown Value and Strategic Fit

Beyond his technical ability, Eze also satisfies a growing requirement within the squad. With a number of homegrown players having left the club over recent seasons, and others approaching uncertain contract situations, Eze’s eligibility counts in Liverpool’s favour. Having spent time in the academies of Arsenal, Fulham, Reading and Millwall, the 27-year-old meets the Premier League’s domestic player quota.

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Liverpool have already been credited with interest in another Palace star, Marc Guehi, though developments in that area appear to have stalled. The speculation linking Eze to Anfield may yet remain hypothetical, but in a market where versatility, availability and homegrown status carry real weight, the links do more than simply tick a box.

Photo: IMAGO

Waiting Game Continues

At this stage, there’s no concrete suggestion that Liverpool are preparing a bid. There is always the possibility their name is being floated to hurry Arsenal into action. But the fit is clear, and if any movement occurs in the Reds’ attacking ranks, Eze’s name will likely be back at the forefront of the conversation.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Eberechi Eze to Liverpool? It’s a rumour that feels simultaneously hopeful and realistic. Supporters will know the club doesn’t tend to throw £60 million around lightly, especially when there are more pressing needs in defence and midfield. But if Luis Diaz does leave, this is exactly the type of profile fans would want to see replace him.

Eze combines flair with work rate, technique with tactical intelligence, and his ability to glide past players fits the mould of a typical Anfield attacker. He’s grown in maturity too, stepping up for Palace when it mattered most, and showing a willingness to shoulder creative responsibility. That bodes well for life in a team like Liverpool’s, where attacking players are expected to lead the press as well as produce magic in the final third.

Crucially, Eze is homegrown. That solves a looming problem which has crept up on Liverpool post-Henderson, Milner and Oxlade-Chamberlain. Fans also know that with Arne Slot now in charge, the club will want multi-functional players with intelligence and energy, and Eze ticks both boxes.

Should this be a real interest and not just a ploy to drive up value, the reaction would be overwhelmingly positive. The sense is Eze could thrive in red, and supporters would back him to do so.