Eberechi Eze Set to Be Left Out of Crystal Palace Squad for Chelsea Clash

Tottenham Move on the Horizon as Arsenal Interest Fades

In a twist few Crystal Palace supporters would have wanted to see on the eve of the new Premier League season, Eberechi Eze is expected to miss the trip to Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder—fresh off a season where he scored the decisive goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City—has informed the club of his desire to join Tottenham Hotspur.

It’s a developing story that throws both Palace’s immediate plans and Tottenham’s attacking setup into the spotlight. With Arsenal stepping away from the race after securing Noni Madueke from Chelsea, Spurs have moved to the front of the queue. Reports suggest Eze has already agreed personal terms with Tottenham, with only negotiations between the clubs standing in the way of a deal.

Arsenal v Villarreal – Pre-Season Friendly

The Backdrop: From FA Cup Hero to Transfer Target

Eze’s stock has never been higher. Just months ago, he danced past Manchester City defenders at Wembley, curling home the winner to secure Palace’s first-ever major trophy. That goal didn’t just write his name into club folklore—it lit up the radar of several top-six clubs.

Arsenal were heavily linked early in the summer, but their pursuit cooled after Madueke’s arrival. Chelsea, preoccupied with their own restructuring, never formalised interest. That left Tottenham, now reeling from the news that James Maddison will miss most of the 2025–26 season with an ACL injury.

For Spurs, Eze’s profile is tailor-made: creative, unpredictable, and capable of moments that change games. His ability to play centrally or out wide makes him a flexible asset for new manager Thomas Frank, who faces the daunting task of replacing Maddison’s influence in his first season at the helm.

Why Tottenham Want Him Now

Timing is everything in football. Maddison’s injury has forced Spurs to accelerate their search for an attacking midfielder, and Eze’s situation at Palace has presented a rare opportunity. With two years left on his contract and an ambition to play European football, Eze is understandably tempted.

Sacha Tavolieri, a well-connected Belgian journalist, reported this week that Eze has already agreed personal terms with Tottenham. For Palace, that presents a dilemma: keep a player whose head may be turned, or cash in now and reinvest before the window closes.

The Arsenal Angle and the Transfer Domino Effect

Eze’s potential move to North London once seemed destined to involve Arsenal, but the Gunners’ focus shifted. The arrival of Noni Madueke from Chelsea filled the creative role they had earmarked for Eze. That decision left the door wide open for Tottenham, who have wasted little time in stepping through it.

Meanwhile, Palace have been doing their own homework. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the club have approached Leicester City over the availability of 21-year-old Bilal El Khannouss. The Moroccan international has been a standout in the Championship, and Palace see him as a potential replacement should Eze depart.

However, any move for El Khannouss is said to be contingent on Eze’s future—an all-too-common transfer chain reaction in the modern game.

What Eze’s Absence Means for Palace Against Chelsea

Losing Eze for the season opener is more than just a tactical headache—it’s a psychological blow. Palace begin their campaign with a short trip across London to face Chelsea, a team buoyed by a summer of heavy investment and a new wave of optimism under their manager.

Without Eze, Palace’s attack will lean heavily on Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta. Both are capable players, but neither offers the same blend of creativity, ball-carrying ability, and goal threat that Eze brings.

Manager Oliver Glasner, who masterminded that famous FA Cup run last season, will have to adjust his game plan. Expect Palace to be more compact, looking to hit Chelsea on the counter rather than controlling possession in the final third.

Spurs’ Perspective: A Missing Piece in the Puzzle

For Tottenham, the appeal of Eze is obvious. Maddison’s absence leaves a creativity void that could derail Spurs’ ambitions if left unaddressed. Eze’s Premier League experience and adaptability mean he could slot in immediately, easing the pressure on Thomas Frank in his debut season.

There’s also the stylistic fit. Eze thrives in systems that allow him to drift between lines, find space, and commit defenders—qualities that align perfectly with Frank’s high-tempo, vertical style. In many ways, Spurs see him not just as a Maddison replacement, but as an upgrade in certain attacking scenarios.

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The Financial Equation

Any transfer involving a player of Eze’s calibre will come with a hefty price tag. Palace are under no pressure to sell, and with the player tied to a long-term deal, they hold the stronger hand. That said, the lure of Champions League or Europa League football—and the player’s own desire to leave—can shift the dynamic quickly.

Tottenham’s willingness to spend will likely be tested. With Maddison’s injury reshaping their priorities, this could be one of those moments where footballing need outweighs financial caution.

Fan Reactions: Split Loyalties and Mixed Emotions

Among Palace fans, reactions are understandably mixed. Many still see Eze as a symbol of the club’s recent progress—a talisman who helped deliver the FA Cup. Others, though, accept that football is a business, and big players move on. The hope is that if Eze does leave, the club reinvests wisely and quickly.

Spurs supporters, on the other hand, are almost universally in favour of the move. Eze’s skillset, personality, and proven track record in big games tick all the boxes for a club aiming to bridge the gap to the Premier League’s elite.

What Happens Next?

The immediate focus for Palace is Sunday’s trip to Chelsea. Whether or not Eze is in the squad will send a clear signal about where this saga is headed. A complete absence would strongly suggest a move is imminent.

For Tottenham, Saturday’s home clash with Burnley will be their first under Thomas Frank. While the Dane is unlikely to speak directly about the Eze situation, his starting lineup and tactical approach could hint at how urgently he feels reinforcements are needed.

Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment for All Involved

Eberechi Eze’s future now hangs in the balance. For Palace, this could be the moment they decide whether to cash in on a prized asset or dig in and keep him for another year. For Spurs, it’s a rare chance to secure a top-level Premier League creator in his prime.

One thing’s for certain: if Eze does move, it will reshape the seasons of both clubs. And for the player himself, it could be the step that defines the peak years of his career.