Chelsea are set for another busy summer transfer window at the end of the season, although Declan Rice’s recent valuation from Arsenal will see them have to spend big money to sign their number one target.
The Blues are looking at signing a new midfielder this summer, despite their current crop being packed with talent when everyone is fit.
It has been reported that Adam Wharton is the club’s number one target for this summer, with them holding past interest in him from before he even moved to the Premier League.
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Chelsea will have to pay £100m for Adam Wharton
With a host of interested parties, a move for the England international will not come cheap, especially given the price top midfielders have moved for recently.
According to FlashScore, Palace are valuing Wharton at £100m, largely due to how much Arsenal paid to sign Rice from West Ham.
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Rice, who has described Wharton as ‘outstanding’ (Crystal Palace website), was another player on the club’s radar in the past, although they went in the direction of Moises Caicedo instead.
The Blues also signed Romeo Lavia during this transfer window in 2023, although he is still yet to complete 90 minutes for the club due to his woeful luck with injuries.
Wharton would provide another solid central midfield option, however they may need to eye up another option if one of their current players departs.
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Chelsea sweating over Enzo Fernandez’s future
Reports that Wharton was their number one target for the club have come upon rumours of Enzo Fernandez pushing for an exit from Stamford Bridge.
Fernandez has flirted away with Real Madrid, with it believed to be his dream move.
News of his desire for a move away has come at the same time as reports have stated some Chelsea players have been frustrated by Fernandez’s conduct on the pitch during this tough spell of results.
Wharton would by no means be a direct replacement for Fernandez, but could be the catalyst for a change in system in the coming months in West London.
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