Chelsea are stepping up their search for a new midfielder as uncertainty continues to cloud Enzo Fernandez’s future at Stamford Bridge this summer.
Fernandez is pushing to leave the club after Chelsea failed to qualify for any European competition, finishing 10th in the Premier League following a dismal five-game losing run at the end of the season.
That poor run of form ultimately cost manager Liam Rosenior his job, leaving the club in a state of significant transition heading into the summer transfer window.
Real Madrid have confirmed they hold no interest in signing Fernandez, though a move elsewhere remains possible, with Arsenal reportedly entering the race for his signature.
With the 25-year-old’s future increasingly uncertain, Chelsea have identified Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as a potential replacement and held talks over a deal.
According to a report from Caught Offside, negotiations between Chelsea and Palace are ongoing, but any agreement would cost the Blues at least £100m.
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is personally keen on the signing, with journalist Simon Phillips stating: “Adam Wharton is who Chelsea want to replace Fernandez, and he is also the player that Xabi Alonso wants to sign in the heart of his new look Chelsea team that he is looking to form.”
Wharton has made 70 Premier League appearances for Crystal Palace, contributing one goal and ten assists across his time with the south London club.
Palace content creator Dan Cook, also known as HLTCO, has described the 22-year-old as “absolutely sensational,” underlining the reputation he has built during his time in south London.
Wharton registered five assists in the Premier League last season, the highest total in the Palace squad, while averaging 5.8 recoveries per 90 minutes, ranking second at the club defensively.
The former Blackburn Rovers man remains under contract at Selhurst Park until 2029, meaning Palace hold significant leverage and have no urgent need to sell this summer.
Chelsea’s pursuit is further complicated by the fact that Crystal Palace will compete in the Europa League next season, while the Blues will not be playing European football at all.
Wharton has earned just four England caps to date and has limited experience in top-level European competition, with Palace’s only continental football coming in the Europa Conference League.
Chelsea have also been linked with Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki as midfield options, though Sunderland are unwilling to sell either player, and Xhaka has publicly confirmed his intention to remain at the Stadium of Light.
While the £100m asking price is steep for a player yet to fully prove himself at the highest level, Alonso’s personal admiration could prove decisive in pushing a deal over the line.