Daniel Munoz hints at Crystal Palace exit, Arsenal eye Eberechi Eze with £68m bid
2 min read
Crystal Palace face a major challenge to keep two of their star players, Daniel Munoz and Eberechi Eze, this summer, as both players have reportedly attracted significant interest from top clubs.
Munoz, the Colombian wing-back who became a fan favorite after his FA Cup-winning performances, has made a surprising admission. Despite signing a long-term deal with Palace in April that keeps him at Selhurst Park until 2028, Munoz has revealed he is open to leaving the club this summer.
Speaking to Win Sports TV while in Colombia for pre-season training with former club Atlético Nacional, Munoz expressed his desire to play for one of the world’s top clubs. He clarified, however, that he has not yet received any direct offers, stating: “I want to play for the best teams in the world. I dream and work every day to achieve it, and I hope it can happen soon. If not, I’m happy at Crystal Palace.”
Palace will need to fend off interest from clubs, especially with their current uncertain position in European football. UEFA’s investigation into alleged breaches of multi-club ownership rules has left Palace’s Europa League spot in jeopardy, with a potential demotion to the Conference League looming.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly preparing a bid for Eberechi Eze, the 25-year-old England international who is a standout at Selhurst Park. The Gunners have reportedly been in talks with Eze’s representatives, CAA Base, and are now ready to trigger his £68million release clause.
Palace are determined to hold firm and have made it clear they will not entertain offers below that release clause. However, Arsenal are keen to negotiate a lower fee, even after spending £52m on Chelsea winger Noni Madueke earlier this summer.
Eze, who has been in excellent form for both club and country, is said to be open to a move to the Emirates, but whether the deal goes through will depend on Arsenal’s willingness to meet Palace’s asking price.
In addition to Eze’s potential departure, Palace could also see defender Marc Guehi leave. The centre-back, who is in the final year of his contract, has been linked with both Liverpool and Newcastle, with Liverpool especially keen on securing his services. If Guehi does leave, Palace have identified Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande as a potential replacement. However, talks with the Portuguese side have been complicated, with Palace valuing the Ivorian at around £40m, despite his release clause being set at £69m.
Lastly, striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has attracted interest from AC Milan, adding further uncertainty to Palace’s squad ahead of the new season.
