£21m Crystal Palace star ruled out of Arsenal and Liverpool transfer race

Crystal Palace have announced that their star defensive midfielder, Cheick Doucoure, has signed a new contract with the Selhurst Park club, taking him off the market ahead of the summer's transfer window.

Doucoure is now on a new deal that runs out in 2029 and the move will undoubtedly see his market value dramatically increase from its current price of €25 million (£21m).

The Malian 24-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool last summer and it was widely speculated that if he hadn't suffered a serious injury in November - the midfielder ruptured his Achilles tendon - the interest would have returned in January. Many also pegged him as the perfect replacement for the outgoing Thomas Partey at Arsenal.

With Partey's upcoming departure, and reports Casemiro will leave Manchester United following a disappointing second season, it was thought the former Lens star would have been an ideal target for both the Gunners and Red Devils come June.

Speaking on the announcement, the Palace chairman Steve Parish said: "It is brilliant news that Cheick, who was such an outstanding performer for us last season, has signed this new contract.

“We have no doubt that, after such a fantastic start to life in red and blue, Cheick will continue to progress as a player in the years to come, and I couldn’t be happier to see him become the latest player to commit their future to Crystal Palace."

Doucoure is now one of four to have signed new contracts this season with Ebere Eze, Michael Olise, Sam Johnstone and Jordan Ayew all pledging their immediate futures to the Selhurst Park.

The 24-year-old added to the announcement by saying: "I’m really happy to commit my future to Crystal Palace – I’ve enjoyed my time here so much already. We have a great group here, and I’m looking forward to getting back on the pitch as quickly as possible to play in front of the supporters of this fantastic football club.”

The midfielder joined the Eagles in 2022 from RC Lens and has played 35 times, completing more tackles and interceptions than any other Palace footballer.