Eberechi Eze to Arsenal huge transfer update as Crystal Palace stunned by UEFA decision

Arsenal's hopes of adding Eberechi Eze to their squad this summer have been handed a significant boost following news that Crystal Palace will be demoted to the Conference League.

UEFA confirmed on Friday that the FA Cup winners have been banned from the Europa League after being found in breach of its multi-club ownership rules. Palace will appeal to the court of arbitration for sport which will delay an announcement of the outcome of the finding.

Nottingham Forest, who finished seventh in the Premier League last season, are in line to take Palace's place. The ban comes after Lyon won their appeal against relegation to Ligue 2 this week, allowing them to participate in the Europa League.

READ MORE: Arsenal agree Noni Madueke transfer as fee breakdown revealed and medical set

READ MORE: Arsenal have answer to Viktor Gyokeres transfer problem with free deal Mikel Arteta will love

UEFA rules state that clubs with the same owner are barred from competing in the same competition if an individual or ownership group is considered to have a decisive influence over more than one of those teams.

In a statement, UEFA concluded there was a breach and as a result, had decided "to reject Crystal Palace’s admission to the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League and to accept Crystal Palace’s admission to the 2025-26 Uefa Conference League”.

Palace's demotion to the Conference League, pending an appeal, means the club are set to miss out on extra prize money. Last season, Chelsea earned around £15million in total, including equal shares, performance-related amounts and winning the Conference League whilst Tottenham, the Europa League winners, earned around £69.7m.

For Arsenal, the decision could work in their favour to sign Eze. The Gunners have been tipped to make a move for the England international this summer with his £68m release clause an attractive option.

football.london understands thatthe north Londoners are looking to formalise their interest in Eze on a club-to-club basis. After Noni Madueke's move, Andrea Berta is expected to engage in further talks with Sporting CP to sign Viktor Gyokeres.