Eberechi Eze reflects on Arsenal move as former teammate Lacroix linked with Gunners

Eberechi Eze has opened up about his emotional ties to Crystal Palace while his former teammate Maxence Lacroix is being linked with a move to Arsenal. The England international left Palace for the Gunners last summer in a £67.5m deal and has since become a Premier League champion.

What did Eze say about his Arsenal move?

Eze revealed he had spoken extensively with Lacroix about his dream of joining Arsenal before making the switch. The 28-year-old, a boyhood Gunners fan, described the move as a 'full circle moment' when Arsenal lifted the Premier League trophy at Selhurst Park on the final day of the season.

'I sent him a message when I saw Manchester City missed the chance to continue the journey,' Lacroix said. 'I was just happy, really happy. Why? Because we spoke a lot about Arsenal, that it was one of his favourite teams.'

Why is Lacroix linked with Arsenal?

Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for the 26-year-old centre-back as cover for William Saliba, who is expected to undergo surgery on a back fracture sustained during the World Cup. Lacroix, who replaced Saliba in France's semi-final defeat to Spain, is under contract at Palace until 2029.

The Gunners are also said to be preparing a bid for Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, but there appears to be a large gap in valuation between the clubs.

What does this mean for Eze?

Eze's emotional connection to Palace was evident when he spoke about his former club after leaving. The England international spent five years at Selhurst Park and shared his deep appreciation for the club.

'It's going to be special but I would tell him to not do it too much because it's our house,' Lacroix said about Eze's potential return to Palace with the Premier League trophy. 'He's not in our house anymore but it's beautiful for him and I'm really happy.'

What comes next for Arsenal and Lacroix?

Arsenal's interest in Lacroix comes as they look to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the new season. The Gunners are also said to be preparing a bid for Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, but there appears to be a large gap in valuation between the clubs.

Lacroix, who is under contract at Palace until 2029, could be set for a reunion with his former teammate Eze at the Emirates Stadium. The Frenchman has the tools to play in Arsenal's backline, but whether the Gunners are willing to pay such money for a defender who may return to the bench once Saliba is back remains to be seen.