Chelsea handed transfer hope as Real Madrid deal branded 'IMPOSSIBLE'

Cameron Smith

8 Sept 2025 15:00 BST
4 min read

Chelsea have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.

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The Englishman, who was included in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the September international break before withdrawing through injury, has been linked with a multitude of top clubs over the past few months and he is widely expected to leave Selhurst Park in 2026.

Current ETV

Adam Wharton

M (C)

C. Palace

Adam Wharton

M (C)

C. Palace

ETV Range

€50.1M - €61.2M

Wharton has established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders since arriving at Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024 and transfer speculation is expected to increase further before next summer.

Manchester United are known admirers of the 21-year-old, while Chelsea have rekindled their interest in the midfielder after initially pursuing a deal during his time at Blackburn.

Enzo Maresca’s side already boast a plethora of midfield options, however Wharton has reportedly been identified as a concrete transfer target as they look to further bolster the first-team squad at Stamford Bridge.

Although Chelsea will face competition from other top Premier League teams, including Man Utd, they are unlikely to be challenged by Real Madrid, according to reports in Spain.

Adam Wharton to Real Madrid branded ‘impossible’

Widespread reports have revealed that Wharton has been earmarked as a possible signing by the Real Madrid hierarchy, with Los Blancos keeping tabs on his progress at Crystal Palace ahead of a potential blockbuster transfer.

The club are actively searching for a new central midfielder amid doubts over Eduardo Camavinga’s long-term future at the Santiago Bernabeu, and Wharton has been sounded out as an alternative to Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller.

However, Spanish outlet Defensa Central claim that a move to Real Madrid is “impossible” as Crystal Palace will demand a minimum fee of €70 million for the midfielder.

In addition to Wharton’s price tag, Real Madrid are also acutely aware of interest from Premier League clubs, all of whom boast greater financial backing.

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