Chelsea constantly watching £66m “generational talent” who’s at London club

Chelsea have constantly been watching a “generational talent” who plays for a fellow London club, but there may be competition for his signature from their Premier League rivals, according to a report.

Blues eyeing a midfielder

Enzo Maresca‘s side have been linked with moves for players in a range of positions ahead of the summer transfer window, but they seem to have particularly stepped up their interest in a central midfielder as of late.

The Blues are reportedly planning to submit a £50m bid for Barcelona’s Gavi, who is now considered one of their key targets, with the Spaniard’s future at the Camp Nou in doubt due to a lack of game time.

Gavi is not the only Barca midfielder who could have the chance to move to Stamford Bridge in the summer, however, as the agents of Frenkie de Jong have offered the Dutchman to the west Londoners, whose potential availability for a relatively low fee could make him an attractive option.

However, according to a report from The Boot Room, Chelsea may also have an option from much closer to home, with it being revealed they have constantly been watching Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton since his arrival at Selhurst Park.

Palace are determined to keep hold of the midfielder, but doing so could prove to be a difficult task, given that a number of Premier League clubs are interested, with Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa also being named as potential suitors.

The Eagles are said to be willing to offer Wharton a lucrative new contract, in a bid to ward off the interest from elsewhere, but it remains to be seen whether he is willing to commit to fresh terms.

Reports from elsewhere have indicated Palace could hold out for around £66m

this summer, so he will certainly not come cheap.

Wharton impressing since injury comeback

The 21-year-old’s fantastic first season at Palace was rounded off with a call-up to England’s Euro 2024 squad, but his development has been hindered somewhat this season, having missed large parts of the campaign due to a groin injury.

Since returning from injury, however, the maestro has picked up from where he left off, most recently putting in a top performance in Palace’s 1-0 victory against Ipswich Town, receiving a 8.1 SofaScore match rating after creating two big chances.

Having also been lauded as a “generational talent” by members of the media, there are plenty of signs the England international could be a fantastic long-term signing for the Blues.

However, Palace should remain in a strong negotiating position for the time being, given that Wharton is contracted until the summer of 2029, meaning there is no pressing need for them to cash-in in the near future.