Crystal Palace target Andoni Iraola but face competition from Chelsea, report says

Palace target and Chelsea interest — who is involved?

Crystal Palace want to appoint Andoni Iraola as their next manager, but they face competition from Chelsea, according to a Sky Sports live blog. The report links Iraola — currently the Athletic Bilbao coach in the provided source — with interest from both Premier League clubs.

Why it matters

A managerial appointment involving Iraola would be significant for Crystal Palace because it would determine the club's next tactical direction and influence recruitment and squad planning. Chelsea's reported interest raises the stakes: competition from a club with greater resources could affect Palace's ability to secure their preferred candidate.

What the report actually says

The Sky Sports live blog item cited in the source states Palace want to appoint Iraola but face competition from Chelsea. The single-source note does not include details on approaches, contract status, timelines, or comments from the clubs or the coach.

Immediate implications for Palace and Chelsea

If Palace are prioritising Iraola, they will need to move quickly to establish contact and negotiate terms, particularly if Chelsea are also interested. For Chelsea, pursuing Iraola would signal another potential managerial change and represent competition in the Premier League managerial market. The source does not describe either club's next steps or whether negotiations have begun.

• Sky Sports reports Crystal Palace want Andoni Iraola as their next manager.
• The same report says Chelsea are also linked to Iraola and would be competition for Palace.
• Source does not confirm any official approaches, offers, or timelines.

What needs confirming

Key facts to verify before treating this as confirmed: whether Palace or Chelsea have formally approached Iraola or Athletic Bilbao; whether Iraola is open to leaving his current role; any contractual compensation or release-clause details; and official statements from either club or the coach. The current source does not provide those specifics.

What happens next

Follow-up reporting should seek direct confirmation from Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Athletic Bilbao, or Iraola's representatives. Until such confirmations appear, the situation should be treated as a reported link rather than a completed appointment.