Chelsea chase $134 million superstar LOVED by Pep Guardiola

Cameron Smith

Updated: 29 Aug 2025 06:56 CDT
3 min read

Chelsea have reportedly rekindled their interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as they eye a blockbuster move for the 21-year-old.

The Englishman was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge before joining Oliver Glasner’s side in January 2024, but the Blues were unable to finalise an agreement with Blackburn Rovers and Wharton eventually moved to Selhurst Park instead.

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Wharton has established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders since his arrival at Palace and Chelsea have now re-added him to their transfer wish-list, as per Ben Jacobs.

He posted on X: “Chelsea have added Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton to their list of long-term targets.

“Tough deal to do before Monday, and nothing yet to suggest anything is advancing, as Palace plan to keep hold of Wharton for at least another year.”

Chelsea already have a plethora of midfield options at their disposal, including the likes of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Dario Essugo and Andrey Santos, but they remain interested in bolstering their squad with the addition of Wharton.

However, Crystal Palace are unlikely to sanction a sale before Transfer Deadline Day after losing Eberechi Eze to Arsenal and potentially Marc Guehi to Liverpool.

Wharton is also being tracked by several other elite clubs across world football, including Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid, while CaughtOffside claim that Palace currently value him at $134 million.

© IMAGO - Adam Wharton is wanted by Chelsea

Pep Guardiola loves Adam Wharton

Wharton has received heaps of praise during his time at Crystal Palace and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is among his biggest fans.

Back in April, the 54-year-old told TNT Sports: “An excellent holding midfielder. He [Wharton] was in the national team already.

“The impact has been really good, coming from the Championship to the Premier League, brilliant left foot, a really good player.”

Ahead of Man City’s FA Cup final defeat to Palace, Guardiola also added: “Wharton is a really good holding midfielder who links well inside.”

The 21-year-old’s current contract at Selhurst Park isn’t due to expire until 2029, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €55.4m.

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