Chelsea Make Adam Wharton Top Summer Target as Enzo Fernandez Exit Looms
Chelsea have identified Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton as their primary transfer target for the summer window, according to reports. The Blues have a long-standing interest in the 20-year-old, having tracked him since before his move to Selhurst Park in early 2024.
This interest has reportedly intensified amid growing uncertainty over the future of Enzo Fernandez. The 25-year-old Argentine World Cup winner has been the subject of strong interest from Real Madrid, with Spanish outlet MARCA reporting that Fernandez is now "significantly closer" to a move to the Spanish capital than long-time target Rodri. The report suggests that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has now made Fernandez the priority midfield target.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has added that contract talks between Chelsea and Fernandez are currently at a standstill, with no formal negotiations for a new deal taking place. This has created significant uncertainty over the 25-year-old's long-term future at Stamford Bridge, with the player said to be open to considering his options this summer.
Chelsea's interest in Wharton, who has impressed for both Palace and England's senior squad, is seen as a potential succession plan. The 20-year-old is viewed as an ideal profile for the squad, with Chelsea having monitored him since before his move to Selhurst Park. The pursuit is not expected to be straightforward, with Wharton under a long-term contract and Crystal Palace under no pressure to sell one of their prized assets.
In a separate development, Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has publicly expressed a desire to one day return to Barcelona. In an interview with The Athletic, the Spanish left-back, a product of Barcelona's La Masia academy, admitted he would find it "hard to say no" to a return to the Camp Nou. He also expressed frustration with Chelsea's current transfer model, suggesting the focus on signing young players for the future could be hampering the current team's ability to win major trophies.
