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Three Cole Palmer transfer alternatives for Man Utd
Cameron Smith
- 13 Feb 2026 11:14 GMT
- 5 min read
Analysis
Manchester United are expected to miss out on Cole Palmer this summer, with the England international likely to remain at Chelsea for the foreseeable future.
The 23-year-old has been identified as Man Utd’s dream replacement for Bruno Fernandes, as exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers, and he has been heavily linked with an Old Trafford switch in recent months.
Current ETV
Cole Palmer
M (C)
Chelsea
Cole Palmer
M (C)
Chelsea
ETV Range
€89.7M - €109.6M
Injury issues have halted Palmer’s progress this campaign, however he has returned to form over the past few weeks and he now looks unlikely to push for an exit after enjoying a successful start to life under Liam Rosenior.
Speaking after his hat-trick against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, Palmer told reporters: “Life under Liam is amazing, he gives us all confidence. He lets us be ourselves and play freely. So, I’m sure when I’m back properly fit, you’ll see the best of me.
“He and all the staff give us confidence on the training pitch, and with the strategies in the way we play. I’m really liking it.
“It’s enjoyable - everyone’s got confidence from him, he’s a top manager. The way he gives confidence to everyone; he doesn’t mind changing the team, using us all. He speaks to all of us and lets us be ourselves. He gives us good game plans, so everyone likes him, and hopefully it continues.”
Chelsea reportedly view Palmer as one of their ‘untouchables’ and a blockbuster move to Man Utd appears increasingly unlikely as a result. However, concerns over Fernandes’ long-term future at Old Trafford may force the Red Devils to dip into the transfer market for an alternative to the Chelsea superstar.
Below, FootballTransfers runs through three players Man Utd could target this summer if Palmer is unattainable.
Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Morgan Rogers appears to be incredibly settled at Aston Villa and he recently committed his future to the club by signing a new long-term contract valid until 2031.
However, rumours of an exit persist and Man Utd have been touted as a possible destination for the England superstar if he departs Villa Park this summer.
Rogers has registered 13 goal contributions in 26 Premier League appearances so far this season and while a deal would be difficult to finalise, he would be a sublime signing for Man Utd.
Arda Guler (Real Madrid)
With Real Madrid set to re-sign Como starlet Nico Paz this summer, questions over Arda Guler’s future at the Bernabeu have unsurprisingly re-emerged.
The Turkey international has been a regular for Real Madrid so far this season, notching 15 goal contributions in 35 games, and he has finally been trusted to play in his preferred attacking midfield role.
However, his place in the starting XI will be under threat when Paz arrives in July and Man Utd could opt to pounce amid rumours that Real Madrid may be tempted into a sale if a major bid is submitted.
Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
This final suggestion may come as a major surprise given he only joined Arsenal last summer, however Eberechi Eze is without a goal contribution in his last 10 Premier League games and he is clearly seen as a rotation option by Mikel Arteta.
With Ethan Nwaneri set to return from a loan spell at Marseille this summer and Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz all options in an attacking midfield role, it’s not inconceivable that Arsenal could let Eze depart if they receive a suitable offer.
He will be 28 years old by the time the 2026-27 season begins, but Eze is a proven entity and he would undoubtedly be an excellent addition to Man Utd’s first-team squad.
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