Chelsea have emerged as strong contenders to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, following a shift in priorities at Manchester United. According to transfer insider Dean Jones, United are now less focused on Wharton and are instead concentrating on deals for Atalanta’s Ederson and potentially two further midfield reinforcements.
Manchester United had previously identified Wharton as a potential target, along with Aurelien Tchouameni, Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. However, The Sun reports that Wharton is now falling down their shortlist, with Tonali and Fernandes considered more likely to follow Ederson to Old Trafford. West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes is valued at £80 million, though United believe a deal can be struck for £50 million given the club’s recent relegation.
Crystal Palace are keen to retain Wharton, and plan to offer the 22-year-old a new and improved contract. The club’s qualification for the Europa League through their Conference League win has bolstered their chances of persuading him to stay, with James Savundra of Sky Sports noting Palace played 60 matches this season and a similar number is expected next season.
Despite Palace’s efforts, Chelsea are now viewed as the biggest threat to keeping Wharton at Selhurst Park. Dean Jones reports that Chelsea have been consistently scouting Wharton throughout the season and view him as an ideal fit for their evolving transfer strategy, which prioritises signing proven Premier League players. The Blues’ interest is not directly linked to the future of Enzo Fernandez, but rather to uncertainty surrounding Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos.
