Chelsea would have to make a “crazy, crazy bid” if they wanted to secure the services of Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze before the transfer window closes, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Another journalist, Simon Phillips, had claimed that the Blues’ interest in the 25-year-old is “one to watch”, with the club having initially inquired about his availability when they were in talks to sign Michael Olise. However, writing in his Caught Offside Substack column, Romano said he hasn’t heard anything about Chelsea’s interest in the player and suggested any transfer would be prohibitively expensive:

“At the moment, I am not aware of any Chelsea contact for Eze. Only Manchester City considered him last week but the treble-winners never sent any bid or started any negotiation as he’s considered untouchable by Hodgson and Crystal Palace. A crazy, crazy bid would be needed to even be considered – a lot more than the reported £60-65 million fee. From the Eagles’ point-of-view, it is clear – Eze stays!”

It is believed that Palace would want at least £70m for Eze, which is an extremely high price for a player who may not be a guaranteed starter.

Eze could be a replacement for Nkunku

With Christopher Nkunku sidelined for a number of months due to a knee injury, it looks as though Chelsea have been looking in the market for a similar player.

Eze would certainly be an excellent signing but you do wonder whether bringing in someone who can play in the exact same position as Nkunku is a good idea. Recruiting a winger may be the better choice.

Are Chelsea considering other options?

The Blues have been linked with Lyon’s Bradley Barcola, although it is thought that Paris Saint-Germain are favourites to secure the Frenchman’s signature.

Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson is also said to be on the club’s radar.

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