Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze saw a stunning free-kick ruled out as the Eagles were forced to settle for a goalless Premier League draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The 27-year-old, who has been linked with a move to Tottenham, powered home from 20 yards in the 13th minute. However, referee Darren England disallowed the goal following a VAR check, ruling that defender Marc Guehi — also the subject of transfer interest from Liverpool — was less than one metre from Chelsea’s wall when the free-kick was taken.

The rarely enforced rule, introduced in 2019, denied Palace what could have been a dream send-off for Eze amid uncertainty over his future. Despite further chances from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Maxence Lacroix, the visitors could not find a breakthrough, though they were the brighter side in the first half.

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Chelsea, fresh from their Club World Cup triumph over Paris Saint-Germain just 35 days ago, struggled for rhythm in the opening period. Their short pre-season of only 13 days was evident, though substitute debutants Estevao Willian, Liam Delap, and Andrey Santos injected more energy after the break.

Five players — Estevao, Delap, Santos, Joao Pedro, and Jamie Gittens — made their league debuts for the Blues following another busy summer at Stamford Bridge.

Palace, meanwhile, face a nervous end to the transfer window with both Eze and Guehi attracting major interest from Premier League rivals.

Chelsea are preparing an opening bid to sign RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons, talkSPORT has reported, as the Blues look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season. However, they face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and European giants Bayern Munich.

Sources indicate that Simons, 22, is close to agreeing personal terms with Chelsea but is also in discussions with other top clubs. Although Leipzig initially agreed a £70 million deal with PSG in January — comprising £44 million in guaranteed fees and £26 million in add-ons — the German side are now reportedly willing to accept a bid under £60 million due to several performance-related bonuses not being triggered.

Simons, who has impressed with 21 goals in 76 appearances for Leipzig, is said to prefer a move to the Premier League, putting Chelsea in a favourable position. The Dutch international can operate as an attacking midfielder or on either wing — a versatility that appeals to the Stamford Bridge hierarchy.

Chelsea are particularly keen to reinforce their frontline amid growing speculation over Christopher Nkunku’s future and potential squad reshuffles. Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho remains on Chelsea’s radar, and in a possible scenario, the club could push for both Simons and Garnacho should Nicolas Jackson also leave.

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Arsenal also admire Simons, though they have yet to make a formal move. The Gunners are concurrently exploring a deal for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, having already opened talks. Palace, however, remain firm on Eze’s £68 million release clause.

Bayern Munich have also met with Simons’ representatives and are weighing up a possible bid, despite prioritising a move for Liverpool’s Luis Díaz. The Bundesliga champions are expected to make an improved offer soon and have not ruled out making a simultaneous play for Simons.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are also progressing on a deal for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato. Club-to-club talks are underway, with the Dutch club previously valuing him at £60 million during the January window. Chelsea hope to secure a deal in the £35–45 million range, especially as the club prepares for Renato Veiga’s potential move to Atletico Madrid.

The Blues see Hato as a key addition due to his ability to play both centre-back and left-back — a versatility deemed crucial with limited left-sided cover behind Marc Cucurella. Current backup options include right-backs Reece James and Malo Gusto, or shifting Levi Colwill to the left.

As Chelsea look to reshape their squad, the coming weeks are expected to be pivotal in determining whether the West London club can fend off rivals and land one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents in Simons.

Arsenal have completed the signing of England winger Noni Madueke from Chelsea for an initial fee of £48.5m.

The 23-year-old was part of Chelsea’s squad at the Club World Cup in the United States but left the camp before last Sunday’s 3-0 win against Paris St-Germain in the final to finalise his move to Mikel Arteta’s side.

Madueke has signed a five-year contract at Emirates Stadium, with his fee rising to just over £50m with add-ons.

“Humbled and blessed to be here. Thank you to everyone that made this possible,” he wrote on Instagram.

“I can’t wait to get on the pitch and start to repay the faith shown in me. It’s going to be so special.”

He made 92 appearances for Chelsea after joining from PSV Eindhoven for £30m in January 2023 and scored 20 goals, helping them win the Conference League last season.

He was part of Crystal Palace and then Tottenham’s academy before spending four-and-a-half years in the Netherlands, where he won the Dutch Cup.

Madueke made his England senior debut in August 2024 and set up Harry Kane’s winner as Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated Andorra 1-0 in World Cup qualification last month.

Arteta told Arsenal’s website, external: “Noni is an exciting and powerful young player, with his performances and numbers in recent seasons being of consistently high quality.

“He is one of the most talented wide forward players in the Premier League.

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“At just 23, Noni already brings experience of club and international football, and he knows the Premier League very well.

“Having seen the quality of Noni’s performances up close in recent seasons, we’re really excited he is joining us. His arrival will really improve our squad.”

News of Arsenal’s interest in the Chelsea winger had prompted a backlash from a section of the Gunners supporters earlier this month.

A petition, titled #NoToMadueke, was signed more than 5,000 times and murals outside the club’s Emirates Stadium were vandalised with ‘Arteta out’.

Madueke becomes Arsenal’s fourth signing of the summer and second from Chelsea following the arrival of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Midfielders Christian Norgaard from Brentford and Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad have also joined while the club are also close to signing striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting and Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera.

BBC Sports