This article was originally published on www.si.com as Report: Arsenal’s Pursuit of Eberechi Eze Dealt Huge Blow. Arsenal are reportedly poised to miss the deadline to trigger the release clause in Eberechi Eze’s Crystal Palace contract, which represents a major blow to their hopes of signing the sought-after playmaker.

Arsenal remain attentive to Eberechi Eze's situation at Crystal Palace, with the midfielder’s £68 million ($90m) release clause now expired, Sporting News understands. The Gunners have held a long-standing interest in Eze, who is understood to be content at Selhurst Park but would consider a move to Emirates Stadium should an offer come in.

Arsenal have had a busy summer so far, signing as many as six players including Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP. The Gunners currently are eyeing Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze but face a hurdle in the form of defending champions Liverpool.