Cole Palmer could potentially be sold by Chelsea in the summer transfer window, with his asking price and Champions League comments putting interested parties on red alert
A Cole Palmer Chelsea exit update has emerged amid transfer links to Manchester United and former club Manchester City
A Cole Palmer Chelsea exit update has emerged amid transfer links to Manchester United and former club Manchester City(Image: (Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images))
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Chelsea star Cole Palmer would reportedly cost at least £80million for either Manchester United or Manchester City to tempt Xabi Alonso's side into negotiating a sale this summer. The Blues talisman, after being left out of England's World Cup squad, looks set for months of uncertainty surrounding his future after his side failed to qualify for any form of European football next season.
In the midst of a turbulent campaign, links over a move to Old Trafford emerged with Palmer a boyhood United fan. However, those rumours died down somewhat with Michael Carrick and Co focusing on additions in other positions.
Interest from United could be reignited though with his asking price coming to light and some telling comments resurfacing that suggest he could leave. According to The Sun, £80m would be the starting point for any negotiations.
Chelsea are not exactly in a strong position for any potential talks however, with defeat to Sunderland last weekend seeing them finish 10th and outside of any European qualification spots. Palmer made quite the Champions League claim prior to Chelsea's run of one league win in five games.
He told TNT Sports: "Hopefully [I can achieve my ambitions at Chelsea]. I believe in the club, they spoke to us as players. Hopefully I, and we, can win a lot at Chelsea. If we're not in the Champions League, everything changes. We need to finish in the Champions League."
Having finished third, United are back in Europe's top club competition but could face competition from another Champions League side in Manchester City. Reports in Spain have gone as far as stating an £86million offer is on the table.
While that seems a tad far-fetched, a return to Etihad Stadium for Palmer is not out of the equation especially with his former manager Enzo Maresca set to replace Pep Guardiola.
The latter took charge of his final game as City boss last weekend and he is expected to be replaced by former Chelsea head coach Maresca, who had a stint as Guardiola's No2.
Enzo Maresca and Pep Guardiola
Enzo Maresca is the favourite to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City
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The Italian, who arguably got the very best out of Palmer, departed Stamford Bridge earlier this year after he and the club's hierarchy fell out with Liam Rosenior coming in as his replacement.
He was sacked just a few months into his tenure with Xabi Alonso, who was strongly linked to City, confirmed as their manager for the 2026/27 season.
United also looked set to be in the managerial market this summer but made the decision to stick with Michael Carrick permanently after he guided the club to a third-placed finish.
Midfielders are the priority for United but Palmer could be considered a unique market opportunity given Chelsea's failings.