Reports have claimed Cole Palmer is 'increasingly disillusioned' at Chelsea and is 'pushing to leave' the club this summer.
Palmer signed for Chelsea in 2023 as he made a £40m move from Manchester City. Some believed Chelsea had overpaid for the Englishman, but he went on to enjoy an incredible opening season in west London as he emerged into one of the best players in the Premier League.
Palmer scored 25 times in 45 matches in the 2023/24 campaign, earning him a call-up to England in the process. The 23-year-old hasn't quite been able to hit the heights of his debut season at the Blues, though.
He scored 18 times in 52 games in 2024/25, and this season he has struggled for form and fitness. He's managed to score just 10 goals in 25 matches, with his struggles coinciding with his club's fortunes.
Now it has been reported by the Sun that this season could be his last in west London.
The Three Clubs Interested in Cole Palmer
cole palmer
The Sun have reported that Palmer is not happy at all at Chelsea and is now 'primed to leave' this summer.
It has been claimed that the 23-year-old is frustrated by a change in Chelsea’s tactics which he feels have denied him space on the pitch.
Moreover, it is believed he misses playing with Nicolas Jackson, who is currently on a season-long loan at Bayern Munich. Palmer had a good connection with Jackson at the top of the pitch and his output has dipped following the Senegalese star's move.
Manchester United are among the clubs that are interested in signing Palmer, who is considered one of the best players in the Premier League. Palmer is a boyhood United fan and is said to be open to a move.
However, United will have competition for his signature. It has also been claimed that European powerhouses Real Madrid and Bayern are interested in signing him.
Chelsea could still refuse to sanction a move for Palmer, though, even if he wants to leave. Palmer is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2033 and the club consider him to be an ‘untouchable'. It has been suggested that he would cost around £150m.
Liam Rosenior: Palmer is Very Happy at Chelsea
Liam Rosenior and Cole Palmer
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior addressed rumours that Palmer was unhappy at Chelsea back in January and insisted he was happy at the club. He said, per the Mirror:
"It's simple: Cole's an incredible player like [Moises Caicedo] sitting next to me and many players in the group. I'm not surprised at the timing (of the rumours).
"A new manager comes in and all of a sudden there's people are (looking to) unsettle. It's not true. Cole's here, he's very happy and I can't wait to see him on the pitch.
"There's no reason for an assurance (from Chelsea's directors). It's so unrealistic. It's come from nowhere, there's nothing in it. There's no reason to have the conversation, that's where I'm at.
"Cole is very happy. We've had numerous conversations with him on how we can make this team better, how he can improve and how I can help him - because he loves being here and he wants to be a Chelsea player.
"You can't stop speculation, but some speculation is so far from the truth, there's not point having any discussion about it."