‘Caught us by surprise’: David Ornstein left shocked by transfer move that Chelsea have made

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Chelsea thought Manchester City attacker Cole Palmer was not gettable in this transfer window.

That is according to journalist David Ornstein, who says the Blues’ move for Cole Palmer has caught everyone by surprise.

Speaking on The Athletic Football Podcast, he said: “It caught us by surprise, but equally, I’m aware Chelsea had been looking at Palmer quite closely and studying his situation.

“I think the feeling was that he was not gettable because of the good pre-season and early season [form].”

Chelsea are close to signing Palmer from City, with multiple outlets, including The Guardian, claiming that they have agreed a £45m deal with their Premier League rivals to sign him.

Chelsea need a player like Cole Palmer

£45m is a lot of money for Palmer, who has not even played 20 games in the Premier League yet.

However, Chelsea are in need of an attacking midfielder like the England U21 international following the departures of Mason Mount and Kai Havertz.

The Blues sold the two earlier in the transfer window and now look quite light in the No.10 position.

Mauricio Pochettino does have Christopher Nkunku, of course, but he is currently out injured, while Carney Chukwuemeka has now joined him on the sidelines as well.

It will be interesting to see what happens when both players come back, but Palmer can also play on the right, so that position just behind the striker may not be his only way into the team.