The Chelsea sporting leadership only have three weeks to further strengthen Xabi Alonso's squad, and there's a lot of work to be done.
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.(Image: Mikolaj Barbanell/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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Chelsea have been urged to sign Adam Wharton. The Crystal Palace star has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer as Xabi Alonso looks to bolster his options in the middle of the park, but the Blues are yet to pull the trigger.
football.london understands that Chelsea are long admirers of Wharton, whose contract at Selhurst Park expires in June 2029. Higher-ups at Stamford Bridge have closely monitored the England international's development over the last couple of years, as he's helped the Eagles win the FA Cup and Conference League.
As it stands, it remains to be seen whether or not the Blues table a bid for Wharton this summer, but they're certainly in the market for a new midfielder. At the end of last month, it was understood that Chelsea had a £64m bid for Alex Scott rejected by Bournemouth.
After a great season on the south coast, the Cherries star attracted interest from Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. Bournemouth, though, are insistent that Scott is not for sale.
Although the Chelsea sporting leadership team have backed Alonso by bringing in some exciting players who fit his style of play, there's still plenty of work to be done in the final weeks of the transfer window.
So, with that being said, Bobby Vincent and Jake Stokes have debated who the Blues should sign next.
Bobby Vincent
Chelsea, in my eyes, have had a great window so far. I would like to see a few more leaving in the next few weeks but as far as incomings go, they seem to have got it pretty spot on thus far.
Saying that, though, I would love another central midfielder to choose from. Not just any midfielder, a top-class one. One in the form of Adam Wharton, preferably.
Yes, he will be expensive, but if Chelsea can raise some funds in the coming couple of weeks, why not test Crystal Palace's resolve?Frustratingly, however, Stamford Bridge insiders have played down the chances of the club making a move for Wharton this summer.
Let's see. Situations can change and opportunities can arise. Even if the Blues keep Enzo Fernandez, I believe they need another body in the engine room. Someone of Wharton's quality as a deep-lying option would be perfect.
Jake Stokes
I agree with Bobby. I think Chelsea should go for Adam Wharton next, even if Enzo Fernandez ends up staying at Stamford Bridge. The Crystal Palace midfielder would be a great addition to the squad, offering Xabi Alonso something a little different in the middle of the park.
As a deep-lying playmaker, he'd be tasked with recycling possession, breaking through the press with his excellent range of passing, and ultimately breaking down low-block opposition with line-breaking passes. It could be difficult, however, to prise Wharton from Selhurst Park.
The Eagles are in no rush to sell, and they have every right to demand an extortionate fee that Chelsea just shouldn't pay. The Elliot Anderson to Manchester City transfer has inflated the market beyond belief, so I wouldn't be surprised if the Blues bide their time and reassess their options in January.
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