Eberechi Eze and Maxence Lacroix 'spoke a lot about Arsenal' as approach considered

Arsenal are reportedly interested in making a move for Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix as they look to cover for William Saliba's injury.

Saliba is expected to undergo surgery on his back after reportedly playing through a fracture at the World Cup.

The 25-year-old could resist the pain no longer during France's semi-final defeat to Spain, and was replaced by the Palace defender.

Lacroix is of serious interest to Chelsea and negotiations have reportedly been going on for some time, but seemingly without any material progress.

The 26-year-old is under contract until 2029 at Selhurst Park and there has been talk of an exit for a fee in the region of £55m.

Arsenal are also reportedly preparing a bid for Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, although there appears to be a large gap in valuation between the clubs.

Maxence Lacroix revealed Eberechi Eze talks

Eberechi Eze joined Arsenal from Palace last summer, signing a long-term contract after a £67.5m deal was agreed.

The 28-year-old had been seemingly on his way to Tottenham before Kai Havertz's injury saw the Gunners spring into action and hijack the deal.

Eze, a boyhood Arsenal fan and former academy player, jumped at the chance to join and has since become a Premier League champion.

The England international spent five years at Palace and shared his deep appreciation for the club after leaving.

It would be a full circle moment for him when Arsenal lifted the Premier League trophy at Selhurst Park on the final day.

Speaking before the game, Lacroix said: "It's going to be special but I would tell him to not do it [enjoy] too much because it's our house. He's not in our house anymore but it's beautiful for him and I'm really happy.

"I sent him a message when I saw Manchester City missed the chance to continue the journey. I was just happy, I was just really happy. Why? Because we spoke a lot about Arsenal, that it was one of his favourite teams.

"He signed for Arsenal, he did a good season and they are in the final of the Champions League. They've won the league for the first time in 22 years so it's beautiful and I'm just really happy for him."

In what would be another full circle moment, Lacroix could now be set to join his former teammate at the Emirates Stadium.

Can Lacroix replace William Saliba?

Saliba's role at Arsenal is often made to look easy because of just how good he is.

The Frenchman constantly has to use his incredible recovery pace and ability to time his tackles perfectly.

That is far from an easy role to perform, but Lacroix certainly has the tools at his disposal to play in that Arsenal backline.

Whether the Gunners are willing to pay such money for a defender who may return to the bench once Saliba is back, however, remains to be seen.