Chelsea have reopened talks with Crystal Palace over the possible signing of Eberechi Eze, as they plan life without Noni Madueke, sources reveal.
Chelsea Kick Off New Talks with Eberechi Eze as Madueke Set to Exit
With Madueke poised to join Arsenal for around £52 million, Blues boss Enzo Maresca sees Eze as a perfect creative replacement to sustain momentum from their Club World Cup victory.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea have “started talks” with Eze’s representatives this week, signalling genuine intent to push ahead this summer.
While Palace expect to demand the full £68 million release clause, including add-ons, Chelsea may seek a player-plus-cash solution potentially involving Trevoh Chalobah to ease the financial burden.
Other reports confirm Eze remains firmly on Blues’ shortlist, with plans now underway to approach his camp directly.
Eze, 26, lit up the 2024–25 season—scoring seven goals and providing eight assists in 32 Premier League appearances.
His standout moment came in the FA Cup final on May 17, 2025, when he struck the winning goal to lift Crystal Palace’s first major trophy.
Chelsea view Eze as a versatile attacking midfielder—equally capable on the left wing or in a central “number 10” role—whose creativity and dribbling can inject freshness into Maresca’s dynamic setup.
With Christopher Nkunku likely to depart, bolstering the central attacking zone has become crucial. Arsenal are also active in the race, and the Premier League rivals’ interest has intensified Chelsea’s urgency.
