Crystal Palace explain Eberechi Eze absence amid Arsenal transfer interest

Eberechi Eze's absence from Crystal Palace's kit launch and friendly has sparked speculation over his future amid links to Arsenal.

Marc Guehi, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Adam Wharton were all present at the launch, but one name was noticeably missing. Eze, who was absent from the photoshoot, left fans wondering whether his future lies elsewhere.

"No Eze speaks volumes," one fan wrote on social media before another added: "No Eze in this kit announcement." As reported by football.london on Friday, Arsenal are keen on signing the England international and are expected to formally express their interest to Palace in the near future.

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The 27-year-old was also absent from Palace's friendly against Millwall on Saturday, with the club providing an explanation on social media platform X.

Players involved on international duty at the end of the 24/25 season are yet to return to training.

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) July 12, 2025

" rel="Follow" target="_self">Palace noted: "Players involved on international duty at the end of the 24/25 season are yet to return to training."

Eze is among those to have been granted a delayed return to pre-season following his involvement with the England squad, having featured in matches against Andorra and Senegal in June.

Eze was seen at Wimbledon’s men’s semi-finals on Friday, enjoying a break from the pitch.

On the same day, the Eagles were informed that despite winning the FA Cup, they had been demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League due to American businessman John Textor owning a stake in both Palace and French club Lyon who also qualified for the Europa League.

This could give Arsenal an edge in striking a deal, as they will be competing in the Champions League next season.

On UEFA's decision to demote Palace to the Conference, chairman Steve Parish said: "Everyone knows we're not part of a multi-club set-up. We don't share any staff. "We're caught up in a rule that wasn't put there for us.

"I don't understand why the panel has come to the conclusion they have done. "I think we've shown John had no influence over our club.

"This is a ludicrous decision. We will ask the appeal court to listen to our argument."

Last season, the midfielder recorded eight goals and eight assists in the Premier League, helping Oliver Glasner’s side secure a 12th-place finish.