Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is “obsessed” with the idea of signing Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, and he has “communicated” to the board that he wants the 27-year-old brought in this summer, according to reports.

Reliable insider source HandofArsenal has posted on X to provide an update on the current state of play with regards to signing the England international.

It is believed that, despite Arteta’s interest in purchasing Eze, a move for the player is not imminent.

Any bid is expected to be dependent on sales, with the departure of Leandro Trossard said to be key.

Eze has made a return to Arsenal his top priority

The attacking midfielder does have interest from the likes of Chelsea, but it appears he has his heart set on a return to North London.

Eze came through the academy at Hale End before being released at the age of 13. He also spent time with Fulham, Reading and Millwall before making his first-team breakthrough at Queens Park Rangers.

There have been reports that Eze is demanding a high salary but HandofArsenal says that personal terms are not expected to be a problem. His price tag is already known, with Palace demanding clubs match his release clause, which is £68m (including add-ons).

What is the situation with Trossard?

The Belgian international has less than a year left on his contract at the Emirates and it has been suggested that the Gunners would sanction his sale for around £20m.

Fenerbahce were linked with a move for Trossard but, so far, the Turkish Super Lig have not made a formal bid.

There was also interest in the 30-year-old from Saudi Arabia last year and it remains to be seen whether clubs from the Middle East will revive their pursuit of the player.

In other news, fans react to reports that an Arsenal target could be available for £50m