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.

Eberechi Eze ’s £68million release clause at Crystal Palace expires on August 15. Standard Sport understands the release clause remains active until that date, when the Premier League season begins with Liverpool hosting Bournemouth.

Eze formed a brilliant relationship with Michael Olise and then took on the mantle left behind when Bayern Munich came calling. He is an England international, an FA Cup winner, and Palace's best player. At 27, he is experienced and still rising in the world game.