Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze has allegedly informed the Eagles that he wants to leave during this summer's transfer window, which has placed a number of clubs on red alert.
The 26-year-old has been in excellent form for the Eagles during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring nine goals and registering 11 assists in 38 appearances in all competitions, and he has starred in his side's run to the FA Cup final.
The England international has a contract at Selhurst Park until June 2027, but his future has recently been the subject of much speculation, with a number of clubs said to be determined to secure his signature.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Eze has communicated to Palace that he wants to depart this summer, with Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all viewed as contenders.
Meanwhile, Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is believed to view the Englishman as the perfect signing to feature as one of the number 10s in his 3-4-3 formation at Old Trafford.
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In-demand Eze 'tells Palace he wants to leave'
"Much will depend on Palace's demands around his release clause, very few are needed to be paid in one lump sum and I don't believe that Palace will do that to Eze either," Bailey told TBR Football.
"Tottenham love the player, we know that – but they are not alone – Manchester City like him a lot, I am told that Pep Guardiola is an admirer. City are looking at bolstering their attacking midfield ranks but Florian Wirtz is ahead of him in that regard, and I believe so are Lucas Paqueta, Charles De Ketelaere and Francisco Trincao but I would not dismiss it totally.
"Newcastle and Aston Villa also admire him, and if he does go – it will be a team playing in Europe.
"Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all fully aware of him and are fans of his talents, but I don't believe he is a priority for them as it stands. Eze for his part feels the time is right to move and has expressed this to Palace."
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Which club are most likely to sign Eze?
Man City will sign a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne this summer, but it seems that the Citizens have other priorities in the transfer market, which could cost them the chance to sign Eze.
Tottenham will surely not be contenders unless they secure Champions League football for next season, while Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are said to have placed him lower down on their transfer shortlist, and Eze will not want to join a club where he is not a priority.
Man United are set to emerge as an interesting option for Eze, and the Red Devils could move into pole position to sign him if they are able to win this season's Europa League and qualify for the 2025-26 Champions League.
Newcastle and Villa cannot be ruled out, though, with both potentially offering European football next term, and it is shaping up to be a fascinating battle for the talented playmaker during this summer's transfer window.
Matt Law
