Cole Palmer is one of the best pieces of transfer business that Chelsea have done in the Premier League era.
However, Chelsea could have actually ended up with another attacker instead of the 22-year-old.
While Palmer is on a bad run of form, the Blues will still be glad that he was the forward they signed at the end of the 2023 summer transfer window.
Overall, the attacking midfielder has proven to be an incredible acquisition for Chelsea, scoring 39 goals for the club since arriving. Palmer is currently out injured, but there is hope that he will be back after the international break.
Chelsea considered signing Jeremy Doku before buying Cole Palmer
Before joining Manchester City, Jeremy Doku attracted interest from their Premier League rivals Chelsea.
According to the reliable Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea gave consideration to signing Doku at the start of August 2023.
The winger would go on to join City instead, though, while Palmer departed the Etihad for Stamford Bridge.
While Doku is a talented offensive player, Chelsea fans will have no complaints about the club signing Palmer over him.
With Kai Havertz and Mason Mount leaving the Blues for Arsenal and Manchester United respectively, there was more of a need for a new attacking midfielder anyway.
From Doku’s perspective, he probably would have welcomed a move to west London. While growing up, Doku idolised Chelsea legend Eden Hazard.
How Cole Palmer and Jeremy Doku compare this season
Palmer has not been at his best for a while now, but he is still the more productive player when compared to Doku.
In the final third especially, the England international is a much more mature footballer. He often makes the correct decision and gets his final ball right.
Palmer triumphs Doku when it comes to goal contributions, though the latter has played fewer minutes in the Premier League this season.
| Player | Appearances | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Shots per game | Key passes per game | Dribbles per game |
| Cole Palmer | 28 | 2,448 | 14 | 6 | 3.6 | 2.5 | 1.4 |
| Jeremy Doku | 20 | 1,163 | 3 | 4 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 4.4 |
The same age as Palmer, Doku has plenty of time to improve his end product. All in all, he is still quite a dangerous attacker.
“Unbelievable”, Pep Guardiola told the BBC when discussing one of Doku’s performances last season.
At this moment in time, though, Palmer is the much better player. It is not even a debate.
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