Crystal Palace, Oliver Glasner, Marc Guehi
(Credit: Hasan Karim Breaking Media, Imago)
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Mon 18 August 2025 7:00, UK
Crystal Palace are confident of keeping Jean-Philippe Mateta and Adam Wharton at the club beyond the end of the transfer window.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about the Eagles’ plans in the window’s closing stages as they aim to support Oliver Glasner.
Since recording, Spurs have stepped up their interest in Eze, who is now growing increasingly likely to depart Selhurst Park despite the Eagles’ initial reluctance.
This comes after Football Insider revealed that Tottenham are leading the race to sign Eze despite rival interest from Arsenal in recent weeks.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner
Oliver Glasner wants to keep his best players at Crystal Palace. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Sources say that Glasner would be extremely reluctant to lose multiple star players before the deadline, adding to questions about Marc Guehi’s future.
Football Insider revealed on 17 August that Liverpool could wait 12 months to sign Guehi on a free transfer as they have been unable to agree a fee with Palace.
Crystal Palace make Guehi, Eze, Wharton and Mateta decisions
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Palace are confident of keeping Wharton and Mateta despite doubts about other key players.
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There has been an acceptance at Selhurst Park that at least one star name may have to leave to facilitate deals in an attempt to strengthen their squad this summer.
O’Rourke explained that Glasner has been keen to improve his options, but keeping their best players at Selhurst Park has been the priority so far.
“The key for Crystal Palace is keeping hold of their best players,” he told Football Insider.
“They’ve been fighting fires all summer, with Marc Guehi’s situation again coming up.
“Eberechi Eze as well, his future has been shrouded in doubt with interest from Arsenal and now Tottenham have come in for him.
Eberechi Eze in action for Crystal Palace
Eberechi Eze could leave Crystal Palace this summer. (Credit: Imago)
“There’s been doubts over Mateta’s future, Adam Wharton too.
“I think they’ll be confident of keeping both at them at the club this summer.
“Oliver Glasner has done a great job winning the FA Cup and Community Shield, so Palace will do all they can to keep hold of them.
“He’ll be more than happy with the window closes and they’ve managed to keep their best players.
*“If Palace have a fully fit squad, they’re a match for anybody in the Premier League.*“
Palace eye Bilal El Khannouss to replace Eberechi Eze
Despite their desire to keep hold of their best players, Palace are preparing to lose Eze before the end of the window, and have already identified his replacement.
Football Insider revealed on 16 August that Crystal Palace want to sign Bilal El Khannouss from Leicester City should Eze join Tottenham.
Bilal El Khannouss, Leicester City
Crystal Palace are interested in Bilal El Khannouss. (Credit: Imago)
The attacking midfielder had a £30million release clause in his contract at the King Power Stadium, and while that is now said to have expired, a deal is not off the cards.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider on 15 August that Leeds and Newcastle are interested in El Khannouss and could now make a move.
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