While Chelsea have made more than their fair share of transfer mistakes over the last few years, they've also signed several outrageously talented players.
However, while Moises Caciedo, Enzo Fernández and Pedro Neto are all examples of great signings, there is one player who stands head and shoulders above the rest: Cole Palmer.
The England international joined the Blues from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, and since then has amassed a sensational tally of 72 goal involvements in 98 games for the club.
Therefore, the Stamford Bridge faithful should be very excited about reports linking them to someone who could become their next Palmer.
Chelsea target their new Palmer
While their defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon has put a bit of a dampener on things, Chelsea have had a brilliant summer in terms of transfers so far.
The board have been able to get rid of a host of players who weren't at the level required, while also bringing in a handful of young and hungry talents who could develop into superstars, like Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jorrel Hato.
Yet, with just under two weeks to go until the window slams shut, the West Londoners are still keen to add to their squad, and are now moving for someone who could be the next Palmer.
Cole-Palmer-Chelsea
At least that is according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which claims Chelsea are very interested in signing Rico Lewis.
In fact, the report goes further than that and reveals that the Blues have already made contact with City about a deal for the youngster this summer.
It's not clear how much the Englishman would cost, but the report has also revealed that Nottingham Forest have already made an offer of around €30m for the youngster, which is about £26m.
While it will likely be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line this summer, Lewis has shown enough in his short career that Chelsea should do what they can to get him, especially as he could be another Palmer.
Why Lewis would be another Palmer
The first thing to say is that, yes, Lewis and Palmer play in entirely different positions on the pitch, and, as a result, play the game in different ways.
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However, that doesn't mean the former couldn't be a new version of the latter, as the comparison isn't really about their position on the pitch.
Instead, if this transfer were to happen, it would be another example of City willingly selling one of their young and exciting academy graduates to the Blues.
Not only that, but one who has likely got a future in the senior England setup, as he's already won five caps for the side at just 20 years old.
In fact, not only would Pep Guardiola and Co be allowing another talented player to move to Stamford Bridge, but they could be letting a genuine superstar in the making move to a rival.
Manchester City's Rico Lewis in action with Paris St Germain's Achraf Hakimi
Manchester City's Rico Lewis in action with Paris St Germain's Achraf Hakimi
We say this as, when you take a look under the hood, at the right-back's underlying numbers, they are sensational.
For example, FBref rank the Bury-born gem in the top 1% of full-backs in Europe's top five leagues for pass completion, the top 4% for through balls, the top 7% for carries, the top 2% for progressive passes, the top 9% for passes into the final third and more, all per 90.
Lewis' scout report
Statistics
Pass Completion %
Passes Completed
Pass Completion % (Long)
Through Balls
Passes Received
Carries
Progressive Passes
Live-ball Passes
Passes into Final Third
Total Carrying Distance
Touches (Att 3rd)
All Stats via FBref
In other words, the "exceptional" talent, as dubbed by Guardiola, is showing serious signs that he could be a world-class player in time, much like there would have been signs that Palmer was something special before his move two years ago.
Ultimately, even if the final fee ends up substantial, Chelsea should do what they can to sign Lewis this summer, as he could be an unmissable market opportunity.