Imagine telling an England or even a Chelsea supporter back in 2024 that Cole Palmer wouldn't be part of the 2026 World Cup squad, the former Manchester City star looking destined for greatness at the time.
It was Palmer's threaded assist that teed up Ollie Watkins' winner against the Netherlands in the last four at Euro 2024, before he briefly sent the nation into a frenzy following that stunning, long-range effort in the showpiece defeat to Spain.
Cole-Palmer-England-Euro-2024-Final
It's been a turbulent time since then, particularly this season, but the sight of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke making Thomas Tuchel's squad ahead of him has certainly raised eyebrows; the Arsenal pair not exactly ripping it up themselves at the Emirates.
Alas, Tuchel's loss could well be Chelsea and Xabi Alonso's gain, Palmer set to be afforded a rare summer off to rest and recover, prior to leading the charge under the Spaniard next term.
Palmer vs Madueke - 25/26 PL stats
Palmer
26 (24)
10
1
197
6
3
1.0
86%
0.8
10.9
As he has for much of his time with the Blues, the 22-year-old has largely done it alone, but further reinforcements could help to ease the burden.
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Much of the talk already in recent weeks has been on the need for experienced additions at Stamford Bridge, with the headline name having been that of Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen.
Victor Osimhen and Ibrahima Konate
There is, evidently, a need to shift away from solely focusing on young, high-potential signings, although that's not to say such deals should be ignored altogether, with Palmer's arrival a glowing example of where that approach can pay off.
Something of a similar move could be on the cards by all accounts, with TEAMtalk reporting that Chelsea are among the clubs to have made an offer or proposal regarding a deal for Leicester City starlet, Jeremy Monga.
jeremy-monga-leicester
Arsenal appear to be the frontrunners for his signature, although the Blues, alongside Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, are also in the mix, with the teenager destined to depart the Foxes following their relegation to the third tier.
There is also significant interest in the 16-year-old from abroad, including Real Madrid, although the report suggests that Monga's preference is to remain in England.
Why Monga could be the next Palmer at Chelsea
The £40m fee might have said otherwise, but it's worth remembering that Palmer was a relatively unknown quantity upon his arrival in west London back in 2023, having merely been on the fringes of Pep Guardiola's squad at the Etihad.
Less than a year later, he was catching the eye for his country at Euro 2024, enjoying such a remarkable debut season under Mauricio Pochettino's watch.
Given the freedom to be a star at Chelsea, Palmer took that opportunity with both hands, building on the brief flashes he had shown at City.
Cole Palmer 2023-24 & 2024-25 stats (timeless)
His recent England omission might suggest otherwise, yet the left-footer remains one of the nation's most exciting prospects, having merely suffered a dip following a year hampered by injury.
Monga, while still a mere teenager, could well be on course to enjoy a similar rise in the years to come, having already been recognised as "one of England's biggest talents" by analyst and Como scout, Ben Mattinson.
Also hailed as "England's Ousmane Dembele" by Mattinson, the two-footed winger has enjoyed a rapid ascent already, it must be said, after making his Premier League debut as a mere 15-year-old last season.
He subsequently started only eight games in the Championship, yet did chip in with one goal and two assists, while also averaging a solid one successful dribble per game from the flanks.
Jeremy Monga of Leicester City falls under challenge from George Campbell of West Bromwich Albion
Much like Palmer, there's a fearlessness to his game that is such a joy to watch, so willing to take on his man at every available opportunity, even despite his relative youth.
Yes, at 16, it may take time for his influence to be felt at first-team level, yet with the Blues having been stung by Rio Ngumoha's departure for Liverpool, this could represent the perfect replacement.
Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha
Indeed, if Mattinson's view is correct, Alonso and co would be getting their hands on a potential England star in the making, the type of player who could be shining alongside Palmer for both club and country later down the line.
Since Palmer's arrival too, Chelsea have had far more misses than hits on the transfer front, but winning the race for Monga could prove another surprise success story.
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