Eze to Arsenal, Ivorian to Palace?

Crystal Palace has thrown down the gauntlet to the wealthiest players in the transfer market—and not just to anyone, but to Neom FC, the most ambitious Saudi club in this summer’s transfer window so far! At the center of this transcontinental showdown is Evann Guessand, a powerful striker from Ivory Coast and an attacking beast in high demand. The English club has contacted Nice, negotiations with the player’s agents are going well, but Arab money never sleeps. According to reports from France, the Saudi club is ready to offer over 40 million euros—a sum Palace can match—but the real issue is that the Ivorian would almost certainly earn more in the Middle East. So, the 24-year-old faces a classic dilemma: pursue sporting ambition or secure a more lucrative payday.

Crystal Palace is currently leading the race for Guessand’s signature. The forward scored 13 goals and registered 10 assists in Ligue 1 last season and was just a step away from joining West Ham last June. While there’s interest from Germany, Spain, and Turkey, Palace has made the most progress—the talks are at an advanced stage, and personal terms with his representatives are already in place. Under Oliver Glasner’s leadership, Palace has made its intentions clear: they want more goals, more end product, and more physical presence in the final third. They’ve already signed Walter Benítez and Borna Sosa, but Guessand would be the marquee signing of this transfer window and a statement that the club means business—especially in a season when many are predicting Eberechi Eze’s departure.

Gyokeres won't be last Arsenal's signing: it's time for Eagle to land at Emirates

Speaking of Eze… behind the scenes, Arsenal is preparing an offensive for Eberechi Eze. The Gunners are waiting to finalize the transfer of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting before potentially including a player in a deal with Palace, aiming to keep their Financial Fair Play balance stable with less cash involved. Eze, a lifelong Arsenal fan, has openly expressed his desire to join the Emirates club. If he leaves, Palace would need to quickly fill the void—making Guessand’s arrival even more crucial.