Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has said they will try to get a good replacement for Eberechi Eze as the midfielder moves to Arsenal. Speaking to Channel 5 following Palace’s 1-0 victory over Frederikstad in the first leg of their Europa Conference League qualifier, Parish reflected on Eze’s contribution and the club’s next steps.

“Ebs will not play for us anymore so it does not make sense to talk about him,” Parish told Channel 5.

“It’s gone. It looks like wishing him all the best for the new club and for us it is about bringing more players in but they will not be allowed to play in the second leg.

“It is what it is. He has been fantastic for the club and we all love him. We’re pleased he will go on and fulfil the ambitions he has got.’ With Eze’s departure imminent, Parish emphasised the importance of strengthening the squad to support manager Oliver Glasner and maintain momentum in both domestic and European campaigns.

“We have to find other players to bring in to support the team and Oliver,’ he said. “We will bring in players, but it’s about finding the right one. We’ll try and use the money to make ourselves broader with a few more options.”

Crystal Palace kicked off their return to European football with a 1-0 victory over Fredrikstad. There were perhaps mixed emotions for Crystal Palace fans who were at Selhurst Park on Thursday night.

On one hand, the fans were excited at seeing their side play European football for the first time in almost three decades, as well as making history with their first-ever win in Europe against Fredrikstad in the first leg of their Uefa Conference League play-off.

But on the other hand, it seemed many were resigned to the departure of the talismanic Eberechi Eze, with the midfielder absent from the squad as a move to Arsenal appears imminent.

Supporters arrived wearing shirts with “Eze 10” on the back, while many had hand drawn signs saying thank you to a player who had brought them countless magical moments on the pitch since his arrival from QPR five years ago.

Palace last played in Europe 27 years ago, but that was the Intertoto Cup, a competition that was dubbed ‘The Cup for the Cupless’ and largely perceived as worthless by British sides.

It was also not a memorable experience for Palace as they were beaten 4-0 over two legs by Turkish side Samsunspor. But their latest venture holds the promise of feeling different.