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Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is the top midfield target for Chelsea, according to reports.
Writing on his Substack (via TalkChelsea), journalist Simon Phillips revealed that the 22-year-old is the player the Blues “really want to sign as their new midfield arrival.”
Xabi Alonso’s side are anticipating the departure of Enzo Fernandez, who has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid.
If the Argentinian international does end up leaving Stamford Bridge, it seems Wharton is the man who could replace him in the middle of the park.
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Chelsea are concerned by the asking price
One potential obstacle is the cost of signing Wharton. Palace are expected to hold out for a fee close to £100m, which is not a figure the Blues are currently prepared to pay.
Wharton still has three years left on his contract at Selhurst Park, and the Eagles are expected to stand by their price tag, due to the fees that other midfielders could fetch this summer.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson could cost Manchester City a British record fee; Newcastle want close to £100m for Sandro Tonali, while West Ham value Mateus Fernandes at £80m.
It shouldn’t be forgotten either that Chelsea are hoping to receive £120m from the sale of Fernandez.
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Do the club have any alternatives to Wharton?
Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni is definitely a player of interest. The Frenchman worked under Alonso for six months and was described as the Spaniard’s “loyal soldier”.
There were also reports suggesting that Real could let the midfielder go for £70m, which would make him a cheaper addition than Wharton.
However, there are doubts over whether Tchouameni wants to leave the Bernabeu, and the arrival of Jose Mourinho may also impact his future.