Chelsea target £100m ‘machine’ as dream target

There may still be some weaknesses, but overall, Chelsea are building one of the Premier League’s most impressive teams.

For example, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandes, Reece James and Mark Cucurella are all certain to be in other teams in the competition.

Moreover, young players like Estevao and Andrei Santos will only get better as the season progresses.

However, Chelsea’s best player is Cole Palmer, and the good news for fans is that, if reports are to be believed, the club are currently developing another star player who could be the next Palmer after Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea eyeing next Palmer

Since joining Chelsea in the summer of 2023, Palmer has been a natural force when fit.

For example, the English player has made 105 appearances for the club, scoring 46 goals and providing 29 assists. He has also played in big matches such as the Conference League and the Club World Cup final.

So it comes as no surprise to learn that the Blues are now looking to land another star in what could be a Palmer-like deal.

At least that’s according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which claims Chelsea still have a strong interest in Adam Wharton.

In fact, the report goes one step further and reveals that the midfield monster is currently the club’s ‘dream’ target.

There is no mention in the report of the Crystal Palace star’s potential price, but reports earlier this year claimed that a transfer fee of around £100m could be enough to entice the Eagles to sell him.

This is undoubtedly a significant amount of money, but considering Wharton’s ability and potential, it is the amount that Chelsea should pay, especially given that he could be another Palmer-type deal.

Why Wharton will be Chelsea’s other Palmer

Needless to say, the comparison between Palmer and Wharton isn’t really due to their playing styles or positions.

Indeed, they are both midfielders, but their roles and responsibilities in their respective teams are completely different.

Still, there are some similarities between the pair and several reasons why Wharton could be a Palmer-like signing for Chelsea.

Firstly, like the former City gem, if this deal goes through it would be another example of the Blues signing one of the most exciting young English talents in the league.

But more importantly, it will be another example of the club signing a young player with true game-changing ability, but this time from slightly deeper.

For example, in addition to already having made 117 senior club appearances and racking up three caps for England, the 21-year-old has sensational underlying numbers to his name.

Hailed as a “passing machine” by journalist Henry Winter, he ranks very highly on many metrics, according to FBref. In particular, he ranks in the top 1% for expected assist goals among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, top 6% for goal creation actions, top 8% for through balls, top 10% for shot creation actions and ball recoveries, and top 11% for key passes, all within 90 points.

Finally, like the West Londoner’s talisman, the Eagles star has already proven he can step up in big games, playing a pivotal role in last season’s FA Cup triumph.

Ultimately, it would be a costly move to get over the line, but Chelsea should go all out to sign Wharton, as he could be a new addition to Maresca’s team in the style of Palmer.