Chelsea are plotting a move to sign Adam Wharton. A deal may be hard to do this summer, but the Blues have shortlisted him as a target, according to Ben Jacobs.
Wharton has caught the eye of clubs like Chelsea with his displays for Crystal Palace in the Premier League. The Blues are now interested in bringing him to Stamford Bridge.
The Chelsea target performs 3.94 shot-creating actions and plays 6.92 progressive passes per 90.
The 21-year-old is also defensively solid, making 1.97 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, and 1.76 clearances per 90.
Wharton played a pivotal role as Crystal Palace won the FA Cup last term and defeated Liverpool in the Community Shield.
Lauded as a ‘great talent’, he has established himself as an England international and has a bright future ahead.
A big move is looming, and it could come next summer with Chelsea now tracking his progress. An excellent season at Selhurst Park could earn him a transfer.
However, Chelsea may not be the ideal destination for Adam Wharton at the moment.
The Blues already boast one of the strongest midfield pairings in England, with Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo locking down starting roles.
Behind them, there is fierce competition from the likes of Andrey Santos, Romeo Lavia, and Dario Essugo, all of whom are pushing for minutes.
Adding Wharton to such a crowded department could easily stall his growth, as he risks becoming a rotation option rather than a guaranteed starter.
At his age, consistent game time is crucial for continuing to build on the progress he has shown at Crystal Palace.
While Chelsea’s interest highlights his rising stock, a move elsewhere could offer the 2024 Golden Boy nominee a more straightforward path to the pitch.
For Wharton, selecting the right project rather than just joining a big-name club is the wise career choice.
Stats from Fbref