Chelsea’s next marquee signing could be one of Adam Wharton or Elliot Anderson, two top English midfielders with little to separate them in terms of quality.
Chelsea already have a world-class midfield with Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, but you can never have too much quality.
Despite their depth, Chelsea are planning on signing a midfielder, and Wharton and Anderson are two of the best on the market right now.
Obviously, only one can be brought in, and it’s a tough, tough call — one that Thomas Tuchel is having to ponder at this very moment.
Adam Wharton vs Elliot Anderson amid Chelsea interest
The two young Englishmen are quite different in terms of their strengths.
Anderson is a workhorse in the best way, covering every blade of grass and making himself a nuisance for anyone looking to get on the ball in the middle of the park. He puts in almost three tackles per game and is a duel monster despite his shorter stature.
The Forest midfielder can advance the ball with driving runs and tight dribbles, more than capable of beating his man 1 v 1.
And Anderson seems to have raised his level significantly since getting a call-up from Tuchel.
Wharton is a different proposition entirely. He has been described as an un-English midfielder, meant as a compliment of his technical ability and slower playstyle. He uses his intelligence to cut passing lanes and is always in the right position defensively.
But Wharton’s X-factor is his playmaking. He made over seven progressive passes per 90 last campaign, in the very top bracket of Premier League midfielders. The 21-year-old’s vision and weight of pass are special, and it has led many top clubs to pursue his signature.
Liverpool just opened talks with Wharton, but Chelsea are still firmly in the mix.
Price could be the deciding factor for Chelsea
Talks have been held with Crystal Palace over Wharton, and it doesn’t look like the Eagles are against a sale, for the right price.
The same can be said for the Forest star. Chelsea could have to pay £120 million for Anderson, but that hasn’t killed their interest.
And that’s one of two reasons why Chelsea should focus on the Palace star. While a £100 million pricetag was being discussed for Wharton, it looks more likely to be in the £70-80 million range.
If Forest aren’t willing to budge on their demand, it doesn’t make sense to pay that much more when the two are extremely close in terms of quality.
Additionally, Wharton is the more unique profile. With the midfielders Chelsea have at their disposal, they don’t need another destroyer. Caicedo does the job of two players in the middle. Having Wharton’s playmaking as an X-factor instantly gives Enzo Maresca more freedom in how he sets up.
But there has been talk of Chelsea selling Enzo Fernandez to Real Madrid, in which case the needs change slightly. In that scenario, the more energetic Anderson may be needed to fill the void.
Should Chelsea sell Enzo Fernandez to buy Elliot Anderson?
That being said, if the Blues are buying today, Wharton is the one to go for.
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