Chelsea are still planning to move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, despite agreeing a deal for Jordan Henderson and targeting Alex Scott, with journalist Simon Phillips explaining why.
Chelsea’s interest in Wharton shows that Xabi Alonso’s midfield rebuild could become one of the most ambitious parts of the club’s summer business.
Henderson is expected to provide experience and leadership rather than become an automatic starter, while Chelsea are also working on a deal for Bournemouth midfielder Scott after seeing a £64m offer rejected.
Those two targets serve different purposes.
Henderson would offer a senior voice inside a young dressing room, while Scott is viewed as a mobile, technically gifted midfielder capable of developing under Alonso.
Wharton would arguably be the headline addition.
The Palace midfielder has developed into one of England’s finest young players since moving to Selhurst Park from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024.
Palace reportedly paid an initial £18 million for the Blackburn academy graduate, but his value has increased dramatically during two-and-a-half impressive years in the Premier League, with the Eagles reportedly demanding a minimum £80m.
Wharton made an immediate impact after arriving in south London.
|
Football FanCast’s Verdict |
|
|---|---|
|
Credibility |
Phillips has covered Chelsea closely for several years and regularly publishes information sourced from contacts around the club. He carefully describes the Wharton pursuit as an intention rather than an advanced move, and realistically points out that Chelsea must complete several departures before their plans can become concrete. |
|
Finances |
Palace signed Wharton for an initial fee of around £18 million and have him contracted until 2029. His development, Premier League experience and England status mean they can demand a vast profit. |
|
Insight |
Wharton is a left-footed controller who reads pressure quickly and moves possession forward with minimal touches. He is not primarily a goal threat, but his passing gives teams rhythm and territory. |
|
Impact |
Wharton could give Chelsea a calmer and more progressive presence alongside Caicedo. His ability to receive from defenders and pass through pressure would suit Alonso’s football, while his Premier League experience is another major plus. |
His calmness in possession helped Palace transform their performances during the closing months of his first season, while his ability to move the ball through midfield quickly earned recognition from England.
He was selected for Euro 2024 only months after leaving the Championship, despite having never represented his country at senior level before that summer.
His progress has continued despite injury interruptions.
Wharton finished last season with one goal and five assists from 2,562 minutes, playing a key role as Palace lifted the Conference League.
Chelsea already have Moises Caicedo’s ball-winning ability, but Wharton could offer greater control from the base of midfield.
Enzo Fernández has also been repeatedly linked with the exit door, while a few other midfielders also face uncertain futures.
Chelsea plan move for Adam Wharton ‘as well as’ Scott and Henderson
According to journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea’s midfield plans extend well beyond the expected arrival of Henderson and their pursuit of Scott.
Phillips reports that three of his leading sources have confirmed Chelsea intend to attempt a move for Wharton if they can complete the necessary midfield departures.
The journalist says Fernández is still expected to leave, with Wharton identified as a potential replacement for the Argentina international.
Therefore, they could sign the Englishman ‘as well as’ Henderson and Scott.
He adds that Roméo Lavia and Dário Essugo could depart on loan, while uncertainty also surrounds Valentín Barco. Phillips stresses that these are Chelsea’s plans rather than advanced negotiations.
The Blues must first create space and raise money through sales before trying to complete what would almost certainly be a hugely expensive deal.
Henderson has left Brentford after his contract was terminated by mutual agreement, clearing the way for a free transfer to Stamford Bridge.
However, Bournemouth so far aren’t budging when it comes to Scott, and convincing Palace to sell Wharton could be even harder.
He remains contracted until 2029, meaning Palace can demand an enormous fee and do not need to negotiate unless the player pushes for a move.
Former Palace striker Clinton Morrison recently argued that Wharton could cost as much as, or even more than, Scott because of his age, ability and importance at Selhurst Park.
A lot of moving parts would need to fall into place for a Chelsea deal to happen.
They would need to sell Fernández, persuade Palace to part with a central figure and probably commit another major transfer fee after already spending heavily elsewhere.
However, Wharton would represent more than another young signing.
He is already proven in the Premier League, possesses qualities Chelsea currently lack and could become the midfielder around whom Alonso builds a possession game.
