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Crystal Palace managed to fend off multiple offers for star player Jean-Philippe Mateta, during the summer transfer window. This was part of a concerted effort to retain their top talent, which also saw Palace halt Marc Guehi's potential move to Liverpool.
Following their FA Cup triumph, the Eagles faced a challenging task to keep hold of their key players throughout the summer. Eberechi Eze was eventually the one to depart, starting the year at Selhurst Park before making a switch to Arsenal in a deal valued at $92 million (£68 million).
Mateta didn't attract as much interest as Eze and Guehi, who were linked with moves to Arsenal and Liverpool respectively. However, the forward was still the target of substantial bids from Champions League clubs.
Despite this, Palace stood firm and rejected these offers, worth $67 million (£50 million). The French striker has netted 36 goals over the past two seasons, establishing himself as one of the Premier League's leading forwards.
Atalanta, AC Milan and Juventus all expressed interest in Mateta, who scored in the Community Shield victory over Liverpool at Wembley.
Tottenham Hotspur also showed late interest as it sought additional attacking options. Spurs had previously pursued Eze before Arsenal secured his services and considered a move for Mateta on deadline day before finalising a deal for PSG's Randal Kolo Muani.
Oliver Glasner had previously expressed his dissatisfaction with Crystal Palace's "passive" approach during the summer transfer window, particularly as he faced the potential loss of key players.
This concern was amplified following Eze's departure, leading to Glasner becoming increasingly vocal about his wish to retain Guehi.
The central defender, who captained the team to FA Cup victory, has a contract that runs out next summer and has shown no inclination to extend it.
This situation leaves Palace at risk of losing Guehi without any financial gain, despite having previously turned down offers from Newcastle.
Chairman Steve Parish has openly admitted that the club would not let this happen. Guehi found the back of the net in Sunday's triumph over Aston Villa, which was potentially his final appearance for the club.
Liverpool was on the verge of securing a $47M (£35m) deal before Palace decided against the sale on deadline day. Glasner had been pressuring the Palace board not to sell the defender.
He stated: "We had a great start and I think our fans deserve to have the best players available. I know if we don't sell Marc, he will accept it.
"He loves the club and team, he feels the appreciation and we feel the same from his side. That's why I have to say we need to keep him."
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