Chelsea boosted – Eze sits out, eyeing north London move
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 17.08.25. | 12:11
Ahead of the London derby between Chelsea and Crystal Palace, the visitors will be weakened by the absence of Eberechi Eze, who is set to miss out due to a likely move to Tottenham
Crystal Palace are facing fresh uncertainty ahead of their Premier League opener, as Eberechi Eze has informed the club he does not want to be involved against Chelsea this weekend. His decision has intensified talk of a potential move to Tottenham Hotspur.
It's that time again... 🤩 pic.twitter.com/2FIuNiGnXR
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 16, 2025
Although the 27-year-old England international trained normally with Oliver Glasner’s squad throughout the week, he has now made it clear he would prefer not to take part in Sunday’s London derby at Stamford Bridge.
Spurs have stepped up their pursuit of Eze following James Maddison’s long-term injury, with the Palace playmaker seen as their top target to fill the creative gap. While his 70 milion euros release clause expired earlier this month, Crystal Palace now hold the leverage to set their own price for one of their most valuable players.
🚨 No guarantee yet on Eberechi Eze out of Crystal Palace squad for Chelsea game.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2025
Negotiations advancing with Tottenham, agreement done with the player who has informed Palace of his desire…
…but not a done deal yet; so Glasner and his staff will decide on Sunday morning. pic.twitter.com/Fc0Vjvn4bm
Sources suggest Eze’s decision is not a sign that a transfer is imminent, but rather that he feels unable to give his full focus to Palace while his future remains unresolved.
It’s a setback for the Eagles, who already risk losing key figures this summer. Eze was central to their FA Cup triumph last season—scoring the winner at Wembley—and ended the campaign with an impressive 14 goals and 11 assists. Marc Guehi, meanwhile, continues to attract interest from Liverpool, while striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is also on the radar of several clubs.
Since arriving from QPR in 2020, Eze has racked up 167 appearances and 39 goals, establishing himself as one of the league’s most entertaining midfielders. His absence on the eve of the new campaign leaves Palace with more questions than answers as transfer speculation grows.
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 1
Friday
Liverpool - Bournemouth 4-2 (1-0)
/Ekitike 37, Gakpo 49, Chiesa 88, Salah 90+4 - Semenyo 64,76/
Saturday
Aston Villa - Newcastle 0-0
Brighton - Fulham 1-1 (0-0)
/O'Riley 55 pen - Muniz 90+6/
Sunderland - West Ham 3-0 (0-0)
/Mayenda 61, Ballard 73, Isidor 90+2/
Tottenham - Burnley 3-0 (1-0)
/Richarlison 10,60 Johnson 66/
Wolverhampton - Manchester City 0-4 (0-2)
/Haaland 34,61 Reijnders 37, Cherki 81/
Sunday
16.00: (1.63) Chelsea (3.80) Crystal Palace (5.70)
16.00: (2.20) Nott.Forest (3.40) Brentford (3.30)
18.30: (3.60) Man.Utd. (3.50) Arsenal (2.15)
Monday
22.00: (2.50) Leeds (3.25) Everton (2.90)
***odds are subject to change***
