Crystal Palace parted ways with Eberechi Eze earlier this month as he joined Arsenal, and they may now have found the ideal successor to their departed icon, according to Fabrizio Romano.

It is well known that Palace have several highly sought-after players this summer, and Marc Guehi’s long-term stay at Selhurst Park remains in doubt with Liverpool keen to lure the England defender to Anfield.

Arne Slot’s squad have been firmly concentrated on securing their priority defensive target for weeks, and Romano’s fresh comments on social media underline that should Guehi depart South London, the Premier League winners remain the most likely destination.

He revealed: “Contrary to rumours linking him with Man City and other sides, Marc Guehi’s stance is the same: Liverpool is the club he prefers. Guehi wants LFC, conversations are ongoing to strike an agreement before the deadline. If no deal is done with Palace, Liverpool will revisit it in 2026.”

With his position unresolved, Palace themselves are pursuing midfield reinforcements, as reports suggest they are preparing a late attempt to re-sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid before the window closes.

Lucas Paqueta has also been mentioned as a potential option, though it seems improbable that West Ham would willingly sell a prized asset to another London club, yet football always manages to spring surprises.

Transfer speculation is only going to intensify as deadline day nears, but Palace fans are buzzing with excitement amid suggestions that the club could break their transfer record in dramatic fashion.

Romano has now confirmed that Crystal Palace are deep in talks to capture Villarreal winger Yeremy Pino for a fee close to £43 million, which would eclipse their existing record purchase.

Discussions are ongoing to finalise terms and nothing has been completed yet, though the South London side seem close to securing Eze’s replacement in a move that will command attention across English football.