Chelsea are ramping up their pursuit of a new midfielder, amid the uncertainty surrounding Enzo Fernandez’s future at Stamford Bridge.
Real Madrid have confirmed they have no interest in signing the Argentinian, but a move elsewhere could still be on the cards, as Premier League rivals Arsenal have now stormed into the race for his signature.
Fernandez is pushing to leave the Blues, after they failed to qualify for European football of any description, stumbling to a 10th-place finish after going on a five-game losing run towards the end of the campaign, which ended up costing Liam Rosenior his job.
With the 25-year-old’s future in doubt, the west Londoners have set their sights on a Premier League star as a replacement.
Chelsea hold talks to sign “absolutely sensational” star
According to a report from Caught Offside, Chelsea have held talks to sign Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, with negotiations currently ongoing, but it has been revealed a deal could cost at least £100m.
New manager Xabi Alonso is a big fan of the Englishman, according to Simon Phillips, who said: “Adam Wharton is who Chelsea want to replace Fernandez, and he is also the player that Xabi Alonso wants to sign in the heart of his new look Chelsea team that he is looking to form.”
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Fernandez‘s agent has confirmed he is exploring a move away from Chelsea this summer. Consequently, BlueCo may need to sign a new midfielder, and Wharton fits the bill, given that Alonso is personally an admirer. |
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Finances |
£100m would be a huge fee to pay for the Palace star, considering he is yet to prove himself at the highest level for club or country. The only European competition the Eagles have played in is the Europa Conference League, and he’s collected just four England caps. |
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Insight |
However, the central midfielder has been described as “absolutely sensational” by Palace content creator Dan Cook, also known as HLTCO. He’s made 70 Premier League appearances for the south Londoners, picking up one goal and ten assists. |
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Impact |
Wharton could be brought in as an alternative to Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki. Sunderland are unwilling to sell either midfielder, and Xhaka has already confirmed his intention to stay at the Stadium of Light beyond the summer. |
Why Adam Wharton could be ready for a big move
The 22-year-old remains under contract at Palace until 2029, which means they do not need to cash-in immediately, and Pierre Sage’s side will be playing in the Europa League next season, whereas the Blues won’t have any European football.
As such, it could be difficult for Chelsea to get a deal done, but the Palace star is showing he could be ready for a big move, picking up five assists in the Premier League last season, which was the highest number in the squad.
An average of 5.8 recoveries per 90 ranked the former Blackburn Rovers man in second place, and indicates he is also strong from a defensive point of view.
Wharton could be a fantastic replacement for Fernandez, but he’s not yet the finished article, scoring just once in the Premier League last season, whereas the Argentina star was on the scoresheet ten times.
