Crystal Palace made a frustrating start to life without Eberechi Eze as they laboured to a 1-0 win over Fredrikstad in the first leg of their Conference League play-off at Selhurst Park.

Eze is now poised to follow striker Viktor Gyokeres (£55m), defender Cristhian Mosquera (£13m), midfielder Martin Zubimendi (£60m), goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5m), midfielder Christian Norgaard (£10m) and forward Noni Madueke (£48.5m) in making the switch to the Emirates.

Eberechi Eze has been left out of Crystal Palace’s team for its Conference League playoff match on Thursday amid reports the England forward is about to join Arsenal.