Chelsea have only ever spent nine figures on a transfer twice. Now, BlueCo have been told they will need to spend £100m for a third time to land a key Xabi Alonso target.
Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez remain key components of Chelsea’s engine room, though the latter may end up leaving the club this summer. Florentino Perez has won Real Madrid’s presidential race.
Realistically, how much is Cole Palmer worth?🤔
It is believed Madrid are keen on signing Fernandez, though Perez has already promised to spend £130m on another unnamed player currently at a Champions League club. That may end Fernandez’s chances.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are expected to add to their midfield options in the coming months. Plenty are on Chelsea’s list despite the likely arrival of Valentin Barco, including Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton.
Chelsea and Liverpool told how much to pay for Adam Wharton
Wharton and Palace are fresh off the back of winning the Europa Conference League trophy, though the England star is now set for a few months off after failing to win a place in England’s World Cup squad.
Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move for the Palace star, who could leave Selhurst Park this summer. Alan Nixon now reports on his Patreon channel that Chelsea and Liverpool remain interested.
Indeed, Chelsea and Liverpool want to pay between £50m and £60m for the ex-Blackburn midfielder. However, BlueCo and Liverpool’s hierarchy have been told to double that, with Palace requesting £100m.
One of Chelsea’s five sporting directors, Sam Jewell, is said to be a big fan of Wharton and has been since his days as Brighton’s head scout. But Palace’s price tag has put a potential exit on hold this summer.
Chelsea feel Wharton would be perfect for Xabi Alonso
With Fernandez a possible departure this summer, a new midfielder is expected to arrive. However, it is unlikely that Wharton is seen as a replacement for Fernandez given the two are very different players.
How much do YOU think Adam Wharton is worth? 💸
Chelsea only want to pay £50m-£60m.
Alonso has been urged to drop Fernandez deeper in midfield alongside Moises Caicedo to free up Cole Palmer, even after playing further forward during the second half of the season in a Chelsea shirt.
But Chelsea believe that Wharton would be a great signing for the incoming Alonso. They feel the way Wharton plays fits the Alonso mould, and what the Spaniard wants in his midfielders ahead of next term.
However, for £100m, it is unclear if Chelsea or Liverpool will actually try to sign the midfielder. Chelsea will have money to spend but without European football, they may have to sell first before spending big.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
