Crystal Palace have already started making a contingency plan to replace Eberechi Eze this summer, according to reports - with Oliver Glasner eyeing up Newcastle United star Joe Willock as a potential option should their south London star depart the club this summer.
Palace's transfer window has been dominated by exits so far, with Eze and club captain Marc Guehi in particular being linked with moves away from Selhurst Park to the Premier League's 'Big Six' clubs, with little in terms of incomings barring a move for backup goalkeeper Walter Benitez being confirmed. But they could look to bring some stars in shortly amid their European tour, and Willock has been named as one potential target.
Report: Crystal Palace 'Eyeing' Joe Willock as Potential Eze Replacement
The Eagles have been looking at replacements for their England international
Newcastle-United-Joe-Willock
The report by CaughtOffside states that Willock could be on the move from Newcastle this summer, having attracted 'growing interest' from a number of Premier League clubs.
Willock is now 25, and a combination of injuries and competition for places in the Magpies' midfield has seen him struggle for minutes at St. James' Park, starting just 11 Premier League games under Eddie Howe.
Joe Willock's Premier League statistics - Newcastle squad ranking, 24/25 campaign
Stats
Appearances
Assists
Key Passes Per Game
Shots Per Game
Dribbles Per Game
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That has prompted Palace's interest in the 'rapid' London-born star, who came through Arsenal's youth academy, and the Eagles are closely monitoring a move for his signature as the summer transfer window enters its last two months.
Palace have identified Willock as a potential replacement for current star Eze, who has been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park, with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur both 'seriously interested' in his talents - and Willock is seen as a player who can bring quality to their midfield if the England international leaves in the summer.
Other Premier League clubs in Fulham, Leeds United and West Ham United are also thought to be interested, but Palace's involvement in European football could sway Willock, as well as a return to the capital.
Willock featured plenty for Arsenal in the 2019/20 season with 44 appearances in all competitions, but a lack of game time saw him join Newcastle on loan in the 2020/21 season. His insane record of seven consecutive Premier League games in which he scored saw the club plump for a £25million move for his services - but the club's Saudi PIF takeover has seen them land the likes of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, meaning Willock has struggled for minutes since.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 09-07-25.
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