In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through the Premier League, Crystal Palace have made the bold decision to keep their star players, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi, off the transfer market this summer, leaving top clubs Arsenal and Liverpool reeling. The news, reported by The Sun, has quashed hopes of blockbuster moves for the two England internationals, who have been heavily linked with some of England’s elite clubs.
Crystal Palace’s Defiant Stance
According to The Sun, Crystal Palace have not received any firm offers for either Eze or Guehi, and the club is in no rush to cash in on their prized assets. This decision comes as a surprise, especially after chairman Steve Parish previously expressed astonishment that Eze remained at Selhurst Park last summer, hinting at openness to deals with top clubs. However, with the transfer window nearing its close, Palace have now drawn a line in the sand, signaling their intent to retain their key players for the upcoming season.
Eberechi Eze, the 27-year-old attacking midfielder, has been a long-term target for Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta reportedly keen to bolster his attacking options with the versatile playmaker. Eze’s £68m release clause, which expired on August 1, 2025, was a point of contention, as Arsenal hesitated to trigger it, hoping to negotiate a lower fee. Despite Eze’s reported interest in a move to the Emirates, Palace’s refusal to entertain offers has effectively ended Arsenal’s pursuit for now.
Similarly, Marc Guehi, the 25-year-old England international defender and Palace captain, has been a top target for Liverpool, who are looking to strengthen their defensive line. With Guehi’s contract entering its final year, speculation was rife that he could leave for a top club, with Liverpool and Newcastle among those linked. However, Palace’s firm stance means Guehi is likely to stay, at least until next summer, when he could potentially leave as a free agent—a scenario described as “financial suicide” for the club if they fail to secure a transfer fee.
Why Palace Are Holding Firm
Crystal Palace’s decision to keep Eze and Guehi reflects a strategic shift at the club. After losing Michael Olise to Bayern Munich earlier in the summer, the Eagles are determined to avoid further weakening their squad. Manager Oliver Glasner, who is in the final 12 months of his contract, has publicly expressed concerns about the club’s limited transfer activity, with only a free-agent goalkeeper and a £3m left-back signed so far. Retaining Eze and Guehi is seen as critical to maintaining competitiveness, especially after their FA Cup triumph in May and their ongoing appeal to secure a Europa League spot.
Palace’s confidence in keeping Eze is bolstered by the expiration of his £68m release clause, which gives the club greater control over negotiations. While Arsenal and Tottenham had shown interest, neither club was willing to meet the upfront payment of £30-35m demanded by Palace, preferring a more favorable payment structure. For Guehi, the situation is more complex due to his contract expiring in 2026, but Palace are banking on his commitment to the club for the upcoming season, especially as no concrete offers have materialized.
Implications for Arsenal and Liverpool
For Arsenal, missing out on Eze is a significant blow to their attacking ambitions. The Gunners have already secured Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke this summer, but Eze was seen as a key piece to complete Arteta’s forward line. With Arsenal’s reluctance to meet Palace’s valuation and their need to sell players to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), their transfer strategy may now shift to alternative targets.
Liverpool, meanwhile, face a challenging situation in their pursuit of Guehi. The Reds have been active in the transfer market, signing Florian Wirtz for a record £116.5m and Hugo Ekitike for £79m, but their defensive depth remains a concern with only Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as specialist centre-backs. Guehi was viewed as a perfect fit, but Palace’s refusal to sell, combined with Liverpool’s focus on a potential British record move for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, may force them to reassess their priorities.
What’s Next for Palace, Eze, and Guehi?
Crystal Palace’s decision to retain Eze and Guehi signals their ambition to build on last season’s successes, including their FA Cup victory. However, the club faces challenges off the pitch, with an upcoming appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on August 8, 2025, to secure their Europa League place. Losing either Eze or Guehi could have jeopardized their campaign, making their stance understandable.
For Eze, staying at Palace may offer a chance to further cement his status as one of the Premier League’s top attacking talents, potentially increasing his value for a future move. Guehi, on the other hand, faces a pivotal season. If he does not sign a new contract, Palace risk losing him for free in 2026, with interest from clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid already looming.
Conclusion
Crystal Palace’s unexpected decision to keep Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi has stunned Arsenal and Liverpool, reshaping the transfer landscape as the summer window nears its end. While Palace’s resolve strengthens their squad for the upcoming season, it leaves two Premier League giants scrambling to adjust their plans. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Selhurst Park to see if Palace can capitalize on their bold stance and if Eze and Guehi can lead the Eagles to further glory.