Chelsea have been told that Eberechi Eze has a minimum £60m release clause in his Crystal Palace contract as the Blues try to beat Manchester United to his signature.
The total fee, if the clause is triggered, could apparently rise to £68m with add-ons. The reported clause means Palace would be unable to hold out for more, which could entice other clubs to consider a move.
Chelsea have been hotly linked with Eze, who has made the final England squad for Euro 2024, as have United. The Daily Mail also says that Tottenham are taking a keen interest.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate says he will not prevent players from discussing transfer matters during the European Championships in Germany, although such talks are typically staggered due to the tournament.
Eze, 25, scored 11 times and provided six assists in 31 matches last season. None of the clubs purportedly interested in his signature can offer Champions League football, with United and Spurs both in the Europa League and Chelsea set for the Europa Conference League.
However, the winger is nevertheless expected to move on this summer with bigger wages on offer at clubs that are able to offer him his break in European competition. Meanwhile, Chelsea have confirmed their first signing under new manager Enzo Maresca.
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Tosin Adarabioyo joins on a free transfer from Fulham once his contract expires at the end of this month. The centre-back comes in following the exit of stalwart Thiago Silva with Trevoh Chalobah’s future still unclear.
Manchester City academy product Adarabioyo’s arrival has no direct impact on a decision over Chalobah’s future but it is understood that the Blues are willing to consider offers for the defender.
He is one of a handful of Cobham youth graduates who could be let go for the sake of profit income amid Premier League Profit & Sustainability Rules. It is thought that Chelsea are close to spending limits and may need to offload assets in order to avoid a penalty.
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