Chelsea Touted to Target Eberechi Eze as Transfer Window Heats Up

Despite significant interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, Eberechi Eze is poised to complete a transfer to Tottenham within the next few days. Crystal Palace is reportedly asking for approximately £50 million plus add-ons, with negotiations nearing completion.

Football analyst Paul Merson expressed his surprise that Chelsea has not been linked with Eze. He highlighted the need for the Blues to acquire a creative playmaker to support their attack, especially given their recent draw against Palace at Stamford Bridge.

Merson criticized Chelsea’s current strategy, noting the team’s overreliance on Cole Palmer, who struggled in the previous match. He emphasized that Chelsea’s attack appears predictable, mainly relying on quick wingers and Palmer’s ability to create chances.

He suggested that signing Eze would diversify Chelsea’s options, making their offense less predictable and more effective. Merson also expressed concern about Chelsea’s reliance on Palmer, indicating that opposition teams are now focusing on shutting him down, which hampers Chelsea’s attacking potency.

Chelsea is also working to secure deals for players like Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons, with Garnacho reportedly valued at around £60 million. Personal terms with Garnacho appear to be in place, but salary disputes remain a hurdle. The club is set to offload several players, including Raheem Sterling, to make room for new signings.

Sterling, seeking a permanent transfer, faces challenges due to his high wages. Clubs such as Fulham, Crystal Palace, and West Ham are interested, but negotiations are complicated by his £325,000-a-week salary. Chelsea plans to reduce their squad size by loaning or selling multiple players before the transfer window closes.