Eberechi Eze’s request reportedly caught Chelsea off guard during transfer negotiations, making the deal now appear ‘unlikely’ to happen
Chelsea Football Club has recently initiated preliminary negotiations in an ambitious effort to secure the services of one of the Premier League’s standout performers. The player in question is none other than Eberechi Eze, the highly talented attacking midfielder currently plying his trade at Crystal Palace. As part of their strategy to bolster their squad ahead of the upcoming season, the Blues extended an enticing opportunity to Eze—offering him the chance to compete in the prestigious UEFA Champions League should he agree to a move to Stamford Bridge.
This news sparked considerable excitement among the Chelsea fanbase, especially given the club’s recent misfortune in missing out on another Crystal Palace gem, Michael Olise. Olise, who once dazzled at Selhurst Park, has since blossomed into an internationally recognized attacking force. Supporters were hopeful that Eze could follow a similar trajectory and become the next creative engine in Chelsea’s evolving offensive lineup.
Chelsea’s recruitment drive this summer has already seen them bring in promising young forwards such as Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, and Joao Pedro. Additionally, the highly anticipated transfer of Estevao Willian is reportedly close to completion. Despite these additions, the club remains determined to further strengthen their attacking department before the summer transfer window officially shuts.
However, the prospect of bringing Eze to West London now appears to have lost significant momentum. According to well-connected journalist Simon Phillips, negotiations between Chelsea and the player’s representatives encountered a major stumbling block. The club was reportedly taken aback by the high salary package Eze is demanding. Moreover, it emerged during discussions that Eze’s release clause stands at a hefty £67.5 million, and—to complicate matters further—it must be paid in full, upfront. This stipulation has proven to be a considerable deterrent for Chelsea, especially given the player’s age and the club’s established transfer policy.
Though Chelsea’s leadership holds Eze’s abilities in high regard and initially entered talks to assess the feasibility of a deal, the financial realities have now made it increasingly unlikely that the transfer will materialize. The West London club is generally reluctant to spend exorbitant amounts on players approaching their late twenties, preferring instead to invest in younger talents with long-term potential and resale value.
As a result of the impasse in negotiations with Eze, Chelsea has already begun redirecting their attention elsewhere. Their new focus appears to be Xavi Simons, the Dutch international who enjoyed a breakout campaign in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig. Simons, known for his flair, creativity, and versatility in the attacking third, is reportedly open to the idea of joining Chelsea. However, the Blues will not have a clear path to his signature, as Arsenal—one of their key rivals in the Premier League—are also admirers of the talented playmaker and could challenge them for his services.
