Crystal Palace challenge Barcelona to signing of midfielder as Eagles plot double swoop for Chelsea pair

According to The Sun, Chukwuemeka, could be surplus to requirements at Chelsea and Palace are willing to fork out more than £20 million ($26m) for the midfielder's services. However, Barcelona were this week linked with a shock move for Chukwuemeka as Hansi Flick aims to enhance his midfield options. The report adds that they are also keen on recruiting Blues defender Chalobah, who has been barred from the first-team squad, but are hesitant about paying his £25m ($32m) asking price - and may consider a loan instead.

Palace are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the new Premier League season after losing star winger Michael Olise to Bayern Munich while defensive talisman Marc Guehi could head to Newcastle or Liverpool, too. If the centre-back goes, signing Chukwuemeka and Chalobah could be two shrewd additions.

Since signing for Chelsea from Aston Villa in 2022, the 20-year-old has made 27 appearances - scoring two goals and bagging one assist along the way. However, just four of those have been starts, so a move away could be good for his career.

With less than three weeks to go until the transfer window shuts, time is running out for the likes of Palace, Chelsea, and more, to finish their business for the summer. In the meantime, the Blues begin their Premier League campaign at home to Manchester City next Sunday, while Palace are away to Brentford on the same day.