Chelsea agree £45m deal with Manchester City for Cole Palmer

Chelsea have reportedly agreed a deal with Manchester City for academy graduate Cole Palmer that could rise to £45m.

Manchester City rejected the Blues’ opening offer of £35m for the English forward but subsequent negotiations between the two clubs have gone well and the deal is expected to be done before Friday’s transfer deadline. The final fee is set to be £40m plus £5m in add-ons, with talks over personal terms with the player not expected to be an issue.

The potential acquisition of Cole Palmer will come as a welcome boost for Mauricio Pochettino, who has been trying to add an attacker to his squad following the injuries to Christopher Nkunku and Carney Chukwuemeka.

Palmer, 21, has made an encouraging start to the 2023/24 season, scoring against Arsenal in the Community Shield and Sevilla in the Super Cup. There was hope that the England under-21 international would get more of a run in the City side this season, especially after the departure of Riyad Mahrez, but he is yet to start any Premier League games so far.

The Sky Blues have been open to offers for the talented attacker, who still has three years remaining on his current deal at the Etihad Stadium. And after apparently finding out his opportunities at City will again be limited, Palmer has pushed to leave the club and join Chelsea.

Cole Palmer would be a terrific signing for Chelsea

Mauricio Pochettino has been on the lookout for a flexible attacker and Cole Palmer’s ability to play in many positions across the midfield and attack makes him an alluring proposition.

As Pochettino has started at Chelsea with a 3-4-2-1 system, Palmer would fit in as one of the advanced playmakers behind Nicolas Jackson. Or in a 4-3-3, he can play on the right flank, Raheem Sterling on the left and Jackson as the No.9. Such versatility, coupled with his vision, creativity and eye for goal, would make Palmer such a terrific addition to Pochettino’s Blues.

Chelsea had a woeful 2022/23 campaign last year, and having finished 12th in the Premier League and subsequently missing out on European football, they are looking to bounce back strongly and finish in the top four once again. Palmer’s signing will certainly improve them going forward. Furthermore, working under an astute tactician like Pochettino would help the England under-21 international grow and fulfil his potential.

So, Chelsea spending £45m on Palmer represents a smashing long-term investment, whilst providing a solution to Pochettino’s current problems in attack.