Arsenal able to offer Eberechi Eze dream shirt number after £34m Mikel Arteta stinger

Arsenal are hoping that the ability to offer Eberechi Eze his preferred shirt number could sweeten a potential move from Crystal Palace.

The Gunners have identified Eze as their next target after finally securing the signature of striker Viktor Gyokeres for £63.7million, bringing an end to a protracted transfer saga. Mikel Arteta has been keen to bolster his squad following another disappointing title race last season.

Arsenal have already splashed out nearly £200m on centre-midfield duo Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera and new frontman Gyokeres – yet plenty more cash could be spent.

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Eze has consistently shone during his stint at Palace, finishing last season with 25 goal contributions, including the decisive strike in the club's maiden FA Cup victory.

The attacking midfielder has typically worn the No. 10 shirt throughout his career – a number that has been vacant at Arsenal since Arteta sanctioned Emile Smith Rowe's £34m move to Fulham last summer.

When quizzed about whether he was saddened by Smith Rowe's exit, the Arsenal manager said: "A lot. When I had the talk with Emile, I really felt it.

"First of all because I have huge gratitude because he came into the team at a tough moment. I think he was the player that made our supporters and the team click, in a way. I don't know how to explain it but that was my feeling.

"Something changed when he came in the team. He created a different energy straight away. And I have a feeling like, 'Argh', that I have not got the best out of him. Obviously a lot of things happened in that time.

"From my side it was really sad, because I know how those boys feel when they are in that building, how hard everyone works to get them close to the first team, so I feel a huge responsibility to give them the chance. And now, can they sustain this level and make us better? That is the idea."

The Mirror revealed the Gunners initiated discussions regarding a potential swoop for Eze last month. The 25-year-old boasts a £68m release clause within his current deal, though Arsenal are targeting a transfer fee closer to the £60m region.

The north London outfit contemplated including Reiss Nelson as part of an exchange agreement, however the winger remains on Fulham's radar, reports the Mirror.

The available No. 10 could prove enticing to Eze, who has worn that for Palace since 2021 and also sported the identical digits during his final two campaigns at QPR. Arsenal legends including Paul Merson, Dennis Bergkamp and Mesut Ozil have all previously donned the No. 10 jersey.

Nevertheless, Palace manager Oliver Glasner has maintained that his squad simply cannot afford to part ways with their standout performers, despite speculation surrounding Eze and skipper Marc Guehi.

The Eagles endured a sluggish beginning to the summer transfer period owing to uncertainty over which European competition they would be permitted to participate in. With the UEFA Conference League awaiting Palace as things stand, frustrated manager Glasner told Kronen Zeitung: "Even though all the players are still here, we haven't made the most of the transfer window so far.

"I was promised that we would be more active and bring in the new players earlier this year. As of now, I have 17 outfield players. I hope we don't lose any more. If that happens and we get four new ones on deadline day like last year, another false start is possible."