Paul Merson is stunned that Manchester City’s Cole Palmer is supposedly on his way to join Chelsea.
Cole Palmer, who’s just 21, is rumoured to be exiting the Etihad Stadium and making the swap for Stamford Bridge.
Sky Sports reported yesterday that Chelsea are close to finalising a £40million deal to sign Palmer from Man City. In fact, the young attacker is expected to undergo a medical on Thursday.
The right-winger’s impressed with two goals in three Man City appearances at the start of the new season, but they’re prepared to move on their highly-rated academy graduate.
Merson is fairly optimistic from a Chelsea perspective that Palmer will be an excellent signing for them. He’s a little stunned from a Man City point of view, though.
When asked about Palmer’s rumoured move to Chelsea, Merson told Sky Sports’ Premier League channel (9:00pm, 30 August): “I think he’s a good player. I thought after the Community Shield he’d get a little bit more time at Man City.
“A bit shocked if I’m being honest. Good signing, good player. He’s got a bit of guile about him.
“Not so much as a dribble but he can find that pass and score a goal… It just shows at the moment Man City don’t think Chelsea are that much of a threat to them.”
This Palmer news exploded into life yesterday during the final week of the transfer window, catching everyone off guard in the process.
The England Under-21s international is obviously a very exciting youngster that has had chances in Pep Guardiola’s Man City side, but £40million is still a huge fee for someone with 41 first-team appearances.
The Telegraph reported on Wednesday that Mauricio Pochettino has given the green light for Chelsea to make the transfer swoop for Palmer.
We’ll be interested to see where the Man City youngster fits into Pochettino’s line-up, whether that’s on the right wing or in a No 10 central playmaker role.
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