Sources: Crystal Palace set sights on Andoni Iraola amid Chelsea update

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(Credit: Imago) Sun 3 May 2026 12:01, UK Crystal Palace are eyeing Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola as the top target to become their next permanent manager, sources have told Football Insider.The 43-year-old announced he would leave the Vitality Stadium upon the expiry of his contract, and there is no shortage of interest in tempting him into an immediate return.Palace are in a similar situation, with Oliver Glasner having announced his departure in January, and the search for a replacement has led them to Iraola.As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Crystal Palace hope to appoint the Spaniard despite the rival interest from Chelsea.Chelsea are looking for a new manager after parting ways with Liam Rosenior as view Iraola as a top contender, in what could be a blow to Palace’s plans. 👔 Chelsea Manager News👔 Get the inside track on the Stamford Bridge dugout with updates on shortlisted candidates and BlueCo technical strategy. VISIT THE MANAGER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Why do Crystal Palace want to appoint Andoni Iraola?Football Insider revealed on 29 April that Crystal Palace have spoken to six prospective managers in their bid to replace Glasner, with Iraola topping the list.The Spaniard’s work with Bournemouth over the last two seasons has earned him high praise, with the Cherries currently eighth in the table ahead of the visit from Palace.Andoni IraolaBournemouth RecordGames123Wins46Draws36Losses41Major Player SalesAntoine Semenyo (£65m)Dominic Solanke (£65m)Ilya Zabarnyi (£54.5m)Dean Huijsen (£50m)Milos Kerkez (£40m)Andoni Iraola’s record as Bournemouth manager.He has also proven capable of managing his squad despite losing key players, something Palace see as a valuable asset as they expect major sales in the near future.Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Look, he’s going to be a man in huge demand this summer, Iraola.

There’s no doubt about that.“He’s developed into one of the best managers in Europe during his time at Bournemouth.“Crystal Palace are long term admirers of Iraola and they see him as their top target who could step into the void when Oliver Glasner leaves.“They have made contact with his representatives to see if he would be willing to make that move.“But now Chelsea, following the departure of Liam Rosenior, are also interested in the Spaniard and have made contact with his representatives as well.“He’s going to have lots of options and offers probably in the summer, not just from the Premier League, there’ll be interest from some top European leagues in him as well.“If it’s a project that he sees as an exciting one and something that fits the profile for him, then that will be the club he chooses.”How does Iraola feel about landing the Chelsea job?Crystal Palace’s hopes of appointing Iraola as their next manager remain strong, but the level of competition could make it difficult to pull off a deal.Man United have previously been linked with the Bournemouth boss, but after Chelsea made contact with his representatives, a move to Stamford Bridge could be on the cards.Credit: ImagoFootball Insider revealed on 29 April that Iraola would struggle to turn down Chelsea if they made a formal offer to bring him to West London this summer.The opportunity to manage a big club either in England or abroad is believed to be part of his long-term plans, and Chelsea could provide the opportunity.However, the Blues are assessing a number of candidates to replace Rosenior, with Calum McFarlane taking over on a temporary basis, with their top target unclear. 🦅 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Crystal Palace Insider Access Get the full story from Selhurst Park and Beckenham with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of South London.