Chelsea reportedly expressed their interest in signing Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, as per The Guardian.
Since moving to Selhurst Park from Blackburn Rovers, the 22-year-old has established himself as a talismanic figure, guiding his side to win the FA Cup, Conference League and Community Shield over the last few years.
Last season, he made eight goal contributions across all competitions. Although the Eagles lost the opening two games against Everton and Manchester City this term, he showed glimpses of his qualities.
Now, The Guardian report that Chelsea were interested in signing Wharton this summer, having been impressed by his recent development. Apart from the Blues, Manchester City were also plotting a swoop.
However, Crystal Palace refused to let him leave, having sold star players such as Maxence Lacroix and Daniel Muñoz. Wharton’s existing deal is set to run until 2029, and he is valued at around £60m by Transfermarkt. So, the South London club weren’t in any rush to sell him before the deadline.
Wharton is a technically gifted left-footed deep-lying playmaker but can provide cover in the box-to-box role if needed. He can play threading passes between the lines, is efficient at taking set-pieces and is solid in defensive contributions.
Wharton to Chelsea
Following Andrey Santos’ move to Manchester United, Chelsea decided to sign Jordan Henderson. But after letting Enzo Fernandez join Manchester City, the Blues couldn’t find a suitable replacement.
Xabi Alonso’s side came close to signing Lamine Camara on deadline day, but AS Monaco eventually blocked the transfer. So, Chelsea currently have Moisés Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo and Henderson as midfield options.
However, Lavia has had numerous fitness problems since joining from Southampton, while Essugo struggled with fitness problems last campaign.
Alonso has used Reece James and Malo Gusto in the engine room this season, although they are right-backs by trait. So, Chelsea might be able to cope with their current midfield options, especially given that they don’t have any European assignment this season.
Meanwhile, following a back-to-back victory over Fulham and Brighton and Hove Albion, Chelsea are set to face city rivals Arsenal in the Premier League this afternoon.
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