Chelsea are ready to attack the transfer market once again after finishing their FIFA Club World Cup campaign as champions.
The Blues recruited Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro before shocking the football world with a stunning 3-0 win over PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup final, which was worth £30m alone in prize money.
Now, Chelsea are looking to spend some of their prize fund – estimated to be around £100m in total – on more new signings, with Arsenal target Eberechi Eze in sight.
Chelsea begin talks over Eberechi Eze
Simon Phillips now states on Substack that Chelsea have started talks with the England international’s agent.
Eze – who has a £68m release clause in his contract at Crystal Palace – enjoyed a special 2024/25 campaign, one that has clearly impressed Chelsea, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists in 43 appearances, also scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final.
Enzo Maresca is clearly in the market for a new attacking midfielder next, as Phillips adds that Xavi Simons is also on the radar at Stamford Bridge.
Problem emerges for Arsenal
Arsenal are very keen to sign Eze, but have been dragging their heels over a move as Andrea Berta – Director of Football – attempts to wrap up deals for Viktor Gyokeres and Cristhian Mosquera first, having also just announced the signing of Noni Madueke from Chelsea.
Another reason is that Arsenal are also hesitant to meet Crystal Palace star’s £68m release clause, and would ideally like to do a deal below that sum.
Phillips does not make it clear whether Chelsea will do the opposite and jump straight in to triggering the clause, but it does feel as if the Blues are capable of doing so, having just received £52m from Arsenal for Madueke and roughly £100m in prize money from FIFA.
Therefore, Arsenal should certainly feel wary of Chelsea in the battle to sign Eze.