Arsenal copying Paul Pogba transfer tactic will eat up £68m of Mikel Arteta budget

Arsenal appear set to accidentally take a page out of Manchester United's book this summer. The Gunners are in the market for attacking reinforcements, and Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has emerged as a target in north London.

Although acquiring the services of a new No.9 is the priority at the Emirates Stadium, Mikel Arteta is also hoping to bring in a new playmaker who can add a spark of creativity to their attack.

As a result, Eze has been identified as a key target after the England international enjoyed another sensational campaign with the Eagles and played a key role in the club winning the FA Cup. The 26-year-old scored 14 goals and registered 12 assists for Palace last season, and his performances have seen him linked with a host of top clubs as a result.

Arsenal will be hoping that the chance to compete consistently for major silverware while staying in London can appeal to the playmaker. The midfielder already knows what it is like to wear an Arsenal shirt. He started his football career with the Gunners but failed to make the grade at the club, ultimately being released aged 13.

Eze then had stints with Fulham, Reading and Millwall before he was offered a professional contract with Queens Park Rangers. The youngster shone at Loftus Road and caught the eye of Palace, and the rest is history at this stage.

In hindsight, the decision to release Eze has been somewhat costly - and it could prove even more pricey if they opt to activate his release clause this summer. The tricky midfielder has a £68million clause in his contract, though Arsenal could look to negotiate a lesser deal if possible.

Returning for ex-players is not unfamiliar in today's game, with United's move for Paul Pogba in 2016 evidencing that. The Frenchman refused to sign a contract extension at Old Trafford, bursting onto the European stage with Juventus instead.

He spent four impressive campaigns with the Serie A outfit before returning to United for a then-record transfer fee of £89.3m. The homecoming initially appeared to be a success, but Pogba's impact eventually dwindled and he returned to Juventus. He is now set to join Monaco as a free agent after his contract with the Old Lady was mutually terminated after he was given an 18-month ban for doping.