Cole Palmer continues to be linked with a summer move away from Chelsea
Cole Palmer continues to be linked with a summer move away from Chelsea (Image: (Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images))
Chelsea star Cole Palmer would reportedly command a fee of at least £80million should either Manchester United or Manchester City attempt to persuade Xabi Alonso's side into entertaining a sale this summer. The Blues talisman, following his omission from England's World Cup squad, appears destined for months of speculation regarding his future after his club missed out on qualifying for any European competition next season.
Amidst a tumultuous campaign, speculation over a switch to Old Trafford surfaced with Palmer a boyhood United fan. Nevertheless, those rumours subsided somewhat with Michael Carrick concentrating on reinforcements in other areas. Interest from United could be rekindled though with his valuation emerging and some revealing comments resurfacing that indicate he might depart.
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According to The Sun, £80m would represent the opening figure for any discussions.
Chelsea are hardly in a commanding position for any prospective negotiations, though, with defeat to Sunderland last weekend confirming a 10th-placed finish.
Palmer made quite the Champions League claim before Chelsea's sequence of one league victory in five matches.
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 secured third place, United are back amongst Europe's elite but could face competition from another Champions League outfit in Manchester City.
Reports from Spain have gone as far as suggesting that an £86million bid is on the cards.
Chelsea are said to value their man at around £80m this summer
Chelsea are said to value their man at around £80m this summer (Image: Getty)
While that appears somewhat far-fetched, a return to the Etihad Stadium for Palmer is not beyond the realm of possibility, particularly with his former manager Enzo Maresca poised to succeed Pep Guardiola.
The latter oversaw his final match as City boss last weekend and he is anticipated to be succeeded by former Chelsea head coach Maresca, who previously served a spell as Guardiola's assistant.
The Italian, who arguably extracted the very best performances from Palmer, left Stamford Bridge earlier this year following a breakdown in relations between himself and the club's hierarchy, with Liam Rosenior brought in as his successor.
He was dismissed merely a few months into his appointment, with Xabi Alonso, who had been heavily linked to City, confirmed as their manager for the 2026/27 campaign.
United also appeared destined to enter the managerial market this summer but opted to retain Michael Carrick on a permanent basis after he steered the club to a third-placed finish.
Midfielders remain United's primary focus, yet Palmer could represent an exceptional market opportunity given Chelsea's shortcomings.
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