Chelsea are reportedly showing strong interest in signing Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, as per Caught Offside.
Having endured a dire campaign last term, the Blues decided to start a new rebuild under Xabi Alonso’s guidance this season. They have started the new campaign promisingly but have shown defensive frailties.
Following Andrey Santos’ move to Manchester United, the Blues signed Jordan Henderson. Currently, Alonso has the Englishman plus Moisés Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo and Valentin Barco as midfield options.
However, Caicedo has been out injured in recent weeks, while Lavia and Essugo have had fitness problems over the last few months. Alonso has even used Malo Gusto and Reece James in the engine room, although they are right-backs by trait.
Now, Caught Offside claim that Chelsea explored the possibility of signing Wharton to replace Enzo Fernandez this summer, but the 22-year-old wasn’t available. So, the Blues didn’t push to sign him.
However, the West London club are considering reinforcing the midfield department next year and are showing strong interest in the Crystal Palace star.
Apart from Wharton, Chelsea are also interested in Alex Scott, but AFC Bournemouth don’t want to sell him until next summer and want around £100m. However, the report state that Wharton could be available for a fee of around £80m in January, with his existing deal set to run until 2029.
Wharton to Chelsea
Manchester City were interested in signing Wharton this summer, but they ultimately decided to revamp the midfield department by purchasing Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Fernandez. So, they are unlikely to make a move for Wharton.
On the other hand, Liverpool have also expressed their interest in the former Blackburn Rovers midfielder but are focusing on signing AS Monaco star Lamine Camara.
Chelsea came close to signing the Senegalese international on deadline day, but the Ligue 1 side ultimately decided to block the deal, and Alonso’s side have now cooled their interest in him.
Wharton is a left-footed deep-lying playmaker by trait but is also comfortable in the box-to-box role. He has proven his worth in the Premier League in recent years and possesses the potential to reach the top.
So, he would be a shrewd acquisition for Chelsea should they eventually manage to secure his services in January or next summer.
