Chelsea have reportedly asked to be kept up to date on Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton’s situation before the summer transfer window. Reports say that the Blues want to sign a new central midfielder in 2026, and they have been interested in the 22-year-old England international for a long time.
Crystal Palace have put a price tag of over £80 million on midfielder Adam Wharton, making the fight for him one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer. In the 2025/26 Premier League season, the defensive midfielder had five assists and played 2,174 minutes. He wins 2.2 tackles, gets the ball back five times, and wins 4.4 duels per game this season.
But Chelsea may have a tough time getting Wharton’s signature because Manchester United and Real Madrid are both very interested in him. The Red Devils want to make big changes to their midfield after Casemiro leaves as a free agent this summer. Sources say that United see Wharton as a “Manchester United player in the making” and think he would rather join them than the other teams that want him.
Crystal Palace have a lot of power in any talks because Wharton is under contract at Selhurst Park until 2029. Reports say that the Crystal Palace star has made it clear what he wants: to move up in his career and join a Champions League club this summer.
Reports Say That Real Madrid’s Three-Man Midfield Shortlist Has Rodri And Enzo Fernandez Ahead Of Adam Wharton
Real Madrid’s top priority this summer is to change up their midfield. Reports have revealed the club’s three-player shortlist to fill the gap left by Toni Kroos’ retirement. Rodri, a star midfielder for Manchester City, is their top target. His contract at the Etihad ends in 2027. Rodri recently said he would be open to joining the team that have won the most Champions League titles, which has only made the rumours stronger.
Real Madrid would have to offer Manchester City about £50 million to get them to sell the 29-year-old. If a deal for Rodri doesn’t work out, Madrid will look into signing either Enzo Fernandez or Adam Wharton as backup options. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Fernandez and Chelsea have not started talking about renewing their contract. This is a big deal that gives Madrid an advantage.
Fernandez has Champions League experience, defensive discipline, and the ability to move the ball forward, all of which are very important to Madrid in central midfield. Wharton, on the other hand, is a younger player with a lot of potential, a great passing range, and room to grow over time. Chelsea and Crystal Palace could both ask for fees of around £100 million for their midfielders, so whichever option Madrid chooses, it will be an expensive pursuit.