Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing a Premier League star this summer who’s dazzled the club’s scouts.
While the focus around Stamford Bridge is currently on Chelsea’s search for a new manager, let’s not forget that the summer transfer window is creeping up quickly and opens mid-June.
It would be great for the Blues to appoint Mauricio Pochettino’s replacement before then.
The Telegraph reported on Thursday that Chelsea have narrowed it down to a four-man shortlist when it comes to picking their next head coach.
Chelsea like £45m player at Premier League rivals
Well-respected journalist Simon Phillips has just claimed via his Substack that Chelsea have put Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze on their wishlist for this summer.
He’s explained that Palace are very keen to keep their 25-year-old attacking midfielder, who’s been included in a 33-man England squad that will need to be reduced to 26 players before this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament.
It is understood that Chelsea scouts have regularly attended Palace matches this season, where they’ve been really impressed by both Eze and teammate Michael Olise.
Apparently, Eze has a market value of £45m and his club will fight to keep him at Selhurst Park. However, it’s unlikely they would stand in his way of moving if an appropriate offer was received this summer.
Eberechi Eze has previously been linked with the Blues
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time that Palace’s talisman has received transfer links with Chelsea.
It’s no great surprise his name has popped up again either after another great season in Palace colours. He scored 11 goals and made six assists in only 31 club appearances this campaign.
Phillips reported via Substack in August 2023 that Chelsea actually made an enquiry about signing Palace’s Eze. So, will they go a step further with their interest this summer?
Palace playmaker is ‘unique’
Whether he’s starting as a No 10 or a left-winger, Eze regularly impacts matches in the Premier League.
He’s got the kind of dribbling and change of direction that opposition players must hate coming up against.
Speaking via TNT Sports back in January of this year, Rio Ferdinand waxed lyrical about Eze’s technical ability, plus his “unique” journey to the top division after playing in lower leagues earlier in his career.
Ferdinand commented on Eze: “His journey has been unique. He’s had disappointments in his academy life, released from clubs, found a new journey and a different pathway for himself. He’s got to this level and now he’s an England international.
“This kid, no disrespect to Palace, could go on and play for one of the top teams. He’s got that individual brilliance; he’s got the awareness when he’s dribbling to keep his head up and bring others into play. I speak to other players that play against him, and they say he’s such an elusive player, unpredictable in the way that he carries the ball, but also [his strength].”
