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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sun 17 May 2026 8:30, UK

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Crystal Palace are doing everything in their power to persuade Andoni Iraola to replace Oliver Glasner this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The Spaniard has emerged as the Eagles’ top target as they work towards appointing their next manager and work is ongoing behind the scenes to convince him.

Chelsea are also believed to be keen on the boss after he revealed he would be leaving Bournemouth upon the expiry of his contract next month.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider, Crystal Palace are determined to agree terms with Iraola and are working towards that end.

There is a belief that winning the Conference League will provide a boost to the Eagles’ chances, while Chelsea’s next manager plans could cause delays.

Could Crystal Palace tempt Andoni Iraola to Selhurst Park?

Mick Brown told Football Insider on 11 May that Crystal Palace are pushing to hire Iraola, and his appointment would be seen as a “massive coup” for the Eagles.

While no decision is expected to take place until the end of the Premier League season, they are now set to step up their efforts to beat rivals to an agreement.

There are other candidates on Palace’s radar, but Iraola’s work with Bournemouth makes him an outstanding candidate, and they now hope to land him.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “It’s an open race for Iraola signature for next season. He’s done a remarkable job at Bournemouth.

“Palace are doing everything they possibly can to try and tempt Iraola to be the man to succeed Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park.

“He’s in the frame for the Chelsea job as well. He’s among the contenders for that.

“Palace are very keen to win that race for Iraola and try and convince him to make the move to Selhurst Park as well..

“He’s a top manager and there’s no doubt here will be a huge demand for him in the summer as well because of what he’s done at Bournemouth.”

Who will be the next Chelsea manager?

Crystal Palace are not the only club interested in landing Iraola this summer, as he features prominently on Chelsea’s list of targets for their next manager.

Calum McFarlane is currently in the Blues dugout and will lead them until the end of the season before they move to appoint a permanent boss in the summer.

Iraola’s availability on a free transfer has placed him high on Chelsea’s list, while he is admired for his work at Bournemouth as they continue to consider their candidates.

However, former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Chelsea are in talks with Xabi Alonso after he emerged as their top target.

Alonso has been out of work since being sacked by Real Madrid in January, and could finally make a move to the Premier League after months of speculation.