Manchester United have been cautioned against pursuing a move for Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, with suggestions his form has dipped since the departure of Mauricio Pochettino as manager. The warning comes amid a busy day of transfer news, including offers for Anthony Gordon and interest in Joao Pedro.
According to reports, concerns have been raised about Palmer’s consistency following a change in tactical approach at Chelsea. Palmer joined Chelsea from Manchester City in the summer of 2023 for a reported £42.5 million and quickly became a key player, finishing the 2023-24 season as the club’s top scorer with 25 goals across all competitions. However, recent performances have reportedly led to questions about whether he would thrive under a different managerial style at Old Trafford.
Bayern Munich have formally submitted a contract offer to Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, though Arsenal remain in contention for the England international. Gordon, 23, has impressed since joining Newcastle from Everton in January 2023, contributing goals and assists as a dynamic winger. His versatility would be attractive to both clubs as they seek to strengthen their attacking options.
Barcelona have also expressed interest in Chelsea’s Joao Pedro, but Fabrizio Romano reports that Chelsea are reluctant to sell, fearing it would “send the wrong message” regarding their squad planning. Pedro has been a consistent performer for Chelsea since his arrival from Watford, offering a goal threat and work rate.
Manchester United are preparing a significant summer investment in midfield, with a potential budget of €175 million allocated for reinforcements. This indicates a clear priority for the club to address vulnerabilities in that area of the pitch following the departure of experienced players and a need for greater dynamism. Granit Xhaka, the Sunderland captain, has been specifically mentioned as a potential target by Peter Schmeichel, who believes Xhaka could provide valuable experience in the absence of Casemiro.
Elsewhere, Barcelona have entered the race to sign Eli Kroupi from Bournemouth, while Manchester City have secured the long-term future of Phil Foden with a new contract. There is also reported interest from Manchester United and another unnamed English club in Atalanta midfielder Ederson, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano. The summer transfer window is rapidly approaching, promising a period of significant activity across Europe’s top leagues.
