3 days ago
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Arsenal have been handed a big potential boost in their hopes of signing Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze this summer, with the Eagles losing their appeal at the Court of Arbiration of Sport (CAS) over their demotion from the Europa League to the UEFA Conference League.
Palace appealed the UEA Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) decision that they must drop down to the Conference League due to multi-club ownership restrictions. The club qualified for the Europa League through their FA Cup win over Manchester City back in May.
The loss of the appeal means that they will instead play in the lower European competition, with Nottingham Forest taking their place in the Europa League.
The ruling will have significant impact on Palace, and it’s something that Arsenal could potentially take advantage of in the transfer window amid their interest in forward Eze. However, while there is interest in the England man from the Emirates Stadium, football.london understands that focus at the minute is on outgoings .
The situation at Palace is however one that Arsenal are likely to be keeping a close eye on. The demotion from the Europa League to the Conference League means that the club will earn around £20 million less than they expected.
That could therefore change the transfer plans at Selhurst Park, and make them more open to cashing in on Eze this summer. Playing in the lower level of European football could also potentially make the player more keen on a transfer, with Arsenal able to offer Champions League football in the upcoming season.
It is reported that Palace are now thinking of launching another legal claim for compensation, for the money they will lose as a direct result of the decision.
Eze was in action for Palace in the Community Shield on Sunday afternoon. He was handed the captain’s armband when defender Marc Guehi was substituted off.
Eze missed his penalty in the decisive shootout against Liverpool, but Palace did come out as 3-2 winners to cause an upset and lift the Community Shield.
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