Crystal Palace ‘plot swap deal’ as part of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal sale
Arsenal could offload Jakub Kiwior to Crystal Palace as they wrap up a deal to sign Eberechi Eze from the Eagles.
Eze looked to be on the verge of joining Spurs, but the Gunners have now swooped in to snatch the 27-year-old away from their North London rivals.
Kai Havertz suffering a knee injury, prompted Arsenal to reignite their interest in Eze, whom they have been exploring a move for throughout the summer.
Eze has a medical booked in at Arsenal on Friday and could make his last Crystal Palace appearance against Fredrikstad in the Europa League a day earlier.
Palace line up Marc Guehi replacement
Palace are lining up replacements for Eze and potentially for captain Marc Guehi, who is a target for Liverpool.
The Daily Mail [21 August], state that Arsenal centre-back Jakub Kiwior, who did not make the Gunners squad at Manchester United on the opening weekend, could join Palace if the South London club cash-in on Guehi.
Kiwior is expected to leave Arsenal after their signing of Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera and the likes of Porto have also expressed an interest.
Guehi could see out the final year of his contract, but Palace want to sell to avoid losing him on a free.
Jakub Kiwior deal to benefit both parties
Football Insider Verdict
Arsenal could make the deal to sign Eze even sweeter if they are able to sell Kiwior to Palace.
Kiwior is low down the pecking order at the Emirates, so Mikel Arteta is keen to offload the Poland international.
The 25-year-old has never been able to force his way into the Arsenal team, but has proven to be a reliable Premier League defender.
| Appearances | 68 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 5 |
Kiwior could be a smart purchase for Palace, as the Pole is left-footed and can play at left-back, making him a useful option in a back three.
If Guehi departs, Palace will be eager to sign a defender with Premier League experience and a deal for Kiwior could be completed quickly.
With little time left in the transfer window, Palace need players who can bed straight in and not require a long period of transition.
The Eagles have European football which could also ensure Kiwior is not swayed by suitors elsewhere.