Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze received no concrete approach during the transfer window despite being monitored by Arsenal, Manchester City and more.
The England international was one of the more in-demand players this summer after a fantastic season last year, but despite all the talk, Crystal Palace never received a single bid.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Crystal Palace Chairman Steve Parish confirmed the news and was shocked at the lack of moves for Eze.
He said: “We didn’t have in Ebbs [Eze] the interest that I thought we would have. I was astounded. Genuinely astounded. I mean, the guy’s just an outstanding footballer, an outstanding person.”
There had been previous reports that Arsenal had made contact with Eze, however, that seems to have been shut down by Parish’s comments. Manchester City tracked the 26-year-old but chose not to pursue him.
Why did Eze not attract more interest?
Eberechi Eze is a fantastic player. He made 27 appearances for Palace last season, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists and already has a goal under his belt this season.
Many predicted before the summer that he would be playing elsewhere by the time the season rolled around but it just never happened for the midfielder.
Crystal Palace set a hefty £60m price tag on the England international which could have been enough to put the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City off an approach for him.
Arsenal signed cut-price attacker instead of Eze
The Gunners landed Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling on transfer deadline day. He joined on loan for one year after getting forced out by Blues’ boss Enzo Maresca.
The move is significantly cheaper than any deal for Eze would have cost and seeing as the two play a similar role and style, Arsenal may have got what they wanted out of Sterling.
The Gunners needed more depth in the attacking areas, but spending £60m on a player who may not have started every game does seem a bold move.