Clinton Morrison on Eze to Arsenal, Palace Back in Europe and Oliver Glasner Future
With the Premier League finally back in action and the summer transfer window gradually drawing near a close, Clinton sat down to share his thoughts on some of the week's biggest footballing stories —covering all of the biggest talking points, including Eze to Arsenal, Palace in Europe and potential added pressure on Mikel Arteta.
From the biggest transfer news to analysis on the weekend's action, we've lined up Clinton’s insights alongside some of the top football betting offers ahead of a busy weekend of action.
So, as we look towards another weekend of football action, here’s what Clinton had to say when speaking exclusively to Free Bets.
Eze's the 'X Factor' Arsenal Have Been Missing
Q: The biggest story in sport today is obviously Eze’s potential move to Arsenal. Given your connection to Palace and how closely you’ve watched Eze’s rise, what kind of player would Arsenal be getting?
Clinton: I already think Arsenal are in the title race, but signing Eze would take them even closer to Liverpool. He's the X-factor they’ve been missing. A lot of Arsenal fans have said they need a winger to compete with Martinelli. Personally, I think Eze is better than Martinelli—he’ll give you more goals and more assists.
There are games, like the one I was at against Manchester United last weekend, where Arsenal needed someone to put their foot on the ball, drive them up the pitch, win free kicks—that’s exactly what Eze does. I think it’s a great move. Tottenham will be gutted to miss out, but he’s an Arsenal fan. He was even there as a kid.
Arsenal are reportedly offering him more money too, so it’s good business all round—for Palace, for Eze, and for Arsenal. He’s 27, nearly 28, with two years left on his contract. It’s his one big move, and he’s joining his boyhood club to play Champions League football and challenge for major honours.
Q: Considering everything—his age, the timing, his form—does this feel like the transfer of the summer?
Clinton: Definitely. There’ve been other good signings—João Pedro, Wirtz, Ekitike—but for the value and the calibre of player Arsenal are getting, it’s a brilliant deal. He’s an England international and fits their needs perfectly.
I was surprised Arsenal didn’t move earlier, but with Havertz reportedly injured, this deal makes even more sense. He can play out wide, put pressure on Martinelli, or slot in as a number 10 if Ødegaard is unavailable. He’s creative and dynamic—just a fantastic footballer.
And yeah, it’s a bit strange they [Palace] want him to play tonight, but it makes sense. Palace want to win this two-legged tie and secure their place in the Conference League. It's a risk for Eze because of the chance of injury, but probably part of the agreement. Hopefully, he plays well, says his goodbyes, and then heads to Arsenal with everyone’s blessing. He deserves it.
Q: From a player’s perspective, do you think Arsenal is the right club to take him to the next level?
Clinton: Absolutely. He wanted Champions League football and to be part of a title-challenging team. Tottenham had it too, and by all accounts, he was ready to go there. But when you get the chance to play with better players, your game elevates.
Yes, it’ll be tough to get regular minutes at Arsenal—they have a strong squad—but I think he’ll play plenty. And when you're playing at that level, it helps secure your place in the England squad, which he’s earned. He was incredible for Palace.
At Arsenal, he won’t have to win matches on his own anymore—they have Saka, Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Declan Rice. The pressure’s on Arteta now, with all this backing, to deliver. But from all sides — Palace, Eze, and Arsenal — it’s a great move. Arsenal are getting a gem. Humble, hardworking, doesn’t cause drama. Not many players would want to play one last game and say goodbye properly like this. Fair play to him.
Q: With all these signings—Gyökeres, Zubimendi, and now Eze—do you think the pressure is really on Arteta now?
Clinton: Definitely. He has to win a trophy this season. It might not be the Premier League or Champions League, but he must deliver silverware. The board has backed him heavily—£55 million as well on Noni Madueke, now Eze. That adds expectations.
But that’s how it should be. You need competition. They had key injuries last season—Saka, Jesus, Havertz, Ødegaard. You need depth to compete at the top. Now they’ve got world-class players to bring off the bench. Arteta knows he’s got to produce.
Glasner 'Could be a Target Soon'
Q: Most of the attention is on Arsenal and Tottenham, but from a Palace point of view, how big of a loss is Eze?
Clinton: Massive. There aren’t many players like him. But we said the same when Olise left—and Palace still had a great season: FA Cup winners, Community Shield winners, a great second half to what was a tough opening to last season.
You can’t replace a player like Eze with one signing. But Glasner is a top manager. They’ve got quality players— Sarr, Mateta, Wharton, Guehi. If they keep that core and reinvest the money wisely, it won’t be all doom and gloom.
It’s frustrating for fans—they want to push on—but Palace can’t financially compete with the top six. So, they find gems, develop them, sell, and start again. That’s the model unless a billionaire comes in. But now, the board needs to back Glasner and bring in two or three new signings before the window closes to remain competitive.
Q: You seem calm and measured about the move. Do you think the fans, Glasner, and Steve Parish also share that approach?
Clinton: They have to. Palace need the money. There’s not a lot to spend, and Glasner wants players. So selling Eze for £67 million makes sense — it allows you to bring in two or three players to replace what you've lost.
It’s not easy, but that’s the reality. And don’t forget, Glasner himself could be a target soon — he’s one of the best managers around right now. That’s football. If you’re not shopping at Harrods, you have to be smart and forward-thinking.
I know Parish didn’t want to sell Eze — he still had two years on his deal — but his value could’ve dipped next summer. This way, they get top money, and everyone parts on good terms. He’s been respectful, no drama, just wants to go and test himself.
Q: Let’s end on a positive. Palace are back in Europe. What’s the feeling like ahead of tonight’s match? And will you be travelling for the away leg?
Clinton: Yeah, not sure I’ll make the second leg—that’s a bit mad! But tonight will be special. The atmosphere at Selhurst Park will be incredible. European football under the lights, a chance to say goodbye to Eze — it’ll be emotional.
Of course, it’s disappointing to miss out on the Europa League, but the Conference League is still a great competition. They’ve got to take care of this tie first, but if they get a good result tonight, maybe they can rotate slightly next week. Thursday-Sunday football is tough.
Q: With Glasner’s pedigree in Europe, can Palace actually go and win the Conference League?
Clinton: Why not? He’s done it before in Europe with Frankfurt. Palace have a good squad — solid defence, strong midfield. Yes, they’re losing Eze, but there are still ten excellent players in that team.
It depends who steps up — Justin Devenny might get a run, Eddie Nketiah is coming back. Glasner’s coaching, his detail, his intensity — they make the difference. I watched them against Chelsea and they were excellent. Could’ve won if not for a VAR decision. So, I’m not worried about them in the league. I think they can go deep in Europe too.
Q: What’s your view on how well Steve Parish runs the club, especially with how well the club were able to keep the drama of the transfer window under control, in comparison to clubs like Newcastle or Brentford, for example?
Clinton: He deserves massive credit. He doesn’t let clubs penny-pinch Palace for their players. People say he’s tough to negotiate with—good! That’s business. Look at the Eze deal—great for the club.
But now he needs to back the manager. Glasner’s brought two trophies already. If you don’t support him, he could walk, and you don’t want that. It’s a crucial moment.
They’ve lost Dougie Freedman too, who was a brilliant Director of Football. Now someone new needs to step in, work closely with Parish, and keep the recruitment strong.
This will happen again—Mateta, Wharton, others will be targeted next year. That’s why you need to keep evolving and building. Keep Glasner and keep finding those gems.
Clinton on Former Clubs, Birmingham City, Coventry City & Sheffield Wednesday
Q: Let’s talk about Birmingham. Two very different games to start the season. Winning ugly last time out—how important is that for promotion hopefuls?
Clinton: Very. Chris Davies is doing a fantastic job. They didn’t play well against Blackburn but still won with two late goals. That’s the sign of a team that understands the manager’s ideas.
They’re one of my tips for promotion. And they’re not done in the market— linked to Oxlade-Chamberlain. If they’re still in the mix by January, I think the owners will invest again.
People assume they’ve spent loads, but most signings have been loans or frees. Wrexham might’ve spent more! But it’s working. St. Andrew’s is tough to go to, and they’re grinding out results.
Q: Coventry —another of your former teams. What do you make of Frank Lampard’s impact and their targets this season?
Clinton: He’s done really well. Took them to the playoffs last season and only lost to Sunderland, who went up. He’s made some good signings, and they’re not done yet.
They’ve got a chance again—I see them finishing top four.
Their only concern is squad depth. Injuries could derail them, so the board needs to back Lampard. But overall, they’ve got a real shot at promotion. Fair play to Frank — there were doubts, but he’s proving people wrong.
Q: Sheffield Wednesday have had a difficult summer. How do you feel seeing what’s happening at the club, given your connection?
Clinton: It’s heartbreaking. I spent years there, still talk to the fans. That club should be in the Premier League. But you have to earn that—and right now, it’s a mess.
The owner’s out of his depth. No Director of Football, no structure. Players unsure if they’ll be paid. It’s chaotic. If I were the owner, I’d sell. Let someone come in who can run it properly.
It’s early in the season, but if they don’t sort it out, they’ll get cut adrift. They’ve already lost key players, and without reinforcements, it’ll be a long year. The fans, the staff, the players—they all deserve better.
Q: What's the long-term potential of Sheffield Wednesday—assuming they’re taken over?
Clinton: The potential is huge. It’s a Premier League club in waiting. But first, they need proper leadership. The fans know that — it’s not just about dreaming big, it’s about building right. Run it properly, get the right manager, and then anything’s possible.
Q: What are your expectations for them this season?
Clinton: It’s going to be tough. They’re favourites to go down. Players like Barry Bannan need to stay fit to guide the squad. They’ve lost good players, and you can't attract talent when you're fighting relegation.
But they’ve been competitive — particularly against Leicester. If they take their chances, you never know. I just hope they stay up and that new ownership comes in. That would change everything.
Q: Final question. What’s your favourite memory from your time at Sheffield Wednesday?
Clinton: Just signing for the club, really. We got promoted from League One. I was in and out, went on loan after falling out with the manager, but I loved it.
Every time I played against them before signing, I’d score. Fans used to say, “We wish we’d signed you earlier!” But it worked out in the end. I had a great rapport with the fans, and that means a lot.
It’s sad seeing what’s happening now because the fans are the ones who suffer. They spend their money, follow the team everywhere. If the right owner comes in, there’s real potential at that club.
