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Chelsea targets Adam Wharton, valued at £100M, before transfer deadline
Crystal Palace's asking price is nearly double what Chelsea believes the 22-year-old midfielder is worth, setting up a high-stakes negotiation as the window closes
Chelsea wants Adam Wharton. Crystal Palace wants £100 million for him. Chelsea thinks he’s worth about half that.
The Blues have zeroed in on the 22-year-old Crystal Palace midfielder as a priority signing before the summer transfer window slams shut, but a valuation gap of roughly £40-50 million between the two clubs means this deal is far from straightforward. Palace has slapped a £100 million price tag on Wharton, while Chelsea’s internal assessment pegs his value somewhere between £50 million and £60 million.
Why Wharton, and why now
Wharton’s rise has been one of the Premier League’s better recent stories. Born on 6 February 2004, he came through Blackburn Rovers’ academy before Crystal Palace snapped him up on 1 February 2024. In just over two years at Selhurst Park, he’s transformed from a Championship prospect into one of England’s most coveted young midfielders.
Wharton is locked in until at least 2029, meaning Palace has no pressure to sell. When a player has three-plus years remaining on his deal and his club just won the FA Cup in 2025, the selling side gets to set the terms.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Wharton reportedly stretches back to at least August 2025, with activity ramping up significantly through May and June 2026. Liverpool and Manchester United have also been linked with Wharton.
The valuation standoff
Chelsea believes £50-60 million better reflects Wharton’s current market value. That’s still a massive fee for a midfielder who only arrived in the Premier League two and a half years ago.
The potential sale of Enzo Fernandez has also hovered around Chelsea’s midfield planning. Regardless of what happens with Fernandez, Chelsea appears committed to adding Wharton to their squad this summer.