Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
With Jordan Henderson on board, Chelsea have now made 10 new signings this summer, but more are expected, and another midfielder could be targeted – possibly Adam Wharton.
Chelsea have known all along that they would be signing Valentin Barco, and the news of a move for Jordan Henderson did not stop the Blues making a £64m move to sign Bournemouth star Alex Scott.
While the move was unsuccessful, it proves Chelsea remain interested in signing a new midfielder, a younger option despite the arrivals of Barco and Henderson. Wharton has been linked for months.
Indeed, reports suggested after the signing of Maxence Lacroix, Chelsea were set to go after £86m-rated England star Wharton. A player-plus-cash opportunity has arisen that Chelsea could take advantage of.
Crystal Palace want Chelsea defender after selling Lacroix
Maxence Lacroix is one of five signings that Chelsea have made since Alonso arrived at Stamford Bridge. It means that Palace are looking for a new defender, and Chelsea have plenty of options they could sign.
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace celebrates his team's win
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That seems to be materialising. Fabrice Hawkins reports that Crystal Palace are set to make an offer for Axel Disasi. One of Chelsea’s remaining centre-backs who are currently on Alonso’s chopping block.
Hawkins reported on X: “Crystal Palace are set to submit an offer for Axel Disasi. The French defender has emerged as Palace’s priority to replace Maxence Lacroix, with talks between the clubs currently ongoing.”
But with Chelsea looking to recruit a second Palace star in Wharton, and with more than £300m spent on new signings already this summer, surely it makes sense for Chelsea to reduce Wharton’s asking price.
West Ham United v Leeds United - Premier League
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With Palace showing interest in Disasi, and Chelsea remaining long-term admirers of Wharton with a clear intention and interest in signing a young, ball-playing midfielder, it feels like this would suit all parties.
Do Chelsea really need Adam Wharton after midfield signings?
Chelsea are now a midfielder up on the complement of players they had in that position entering the summer. The sale of Andrey Santos has been outweighed by the arrivals of Henderson and Barco.
Chelsea's potential XI for cup games
Chelsea's potential XI for cup games
Enzo Fernandez looks as though he will stay; Moises Caicedo remains first choice. Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia provide cover, but there is a foreseeable world in which both Lavia and Essugo depart.
Chelsea could still feel the need to sign a midfielder. Barco remains unproven and will be little more than a fringe player, while Henderson is not expected to start games. Bringing in Wharton changes things.
It would likely see Chelsea sign the perfect partner to go alongside Caicedo, freeing up Fernandez, or even adding a top-quality back-up for Fernandez. Chelsea are right to continue pursuing Wharton.