Chelsea eye Palace midfielder Adam Wharton ahead of January window

WHAT HAPPENED
Reports on September 19, 2026 say Chelsea are keeping a close watch on Palace midfielder Adam Wharton and could make a renewed approach when the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year. The interest is presented as ongoing rather than completed.

KEY CONTEXT
Chelsea sold Enzo Fernández to Manchester City before the summer transfer deadline and were unable to secure a replacement in time. A verbal agreement with Monaco for Lamine Camara on deadline day was reported to have collapsed at the last moment, leaving the club short in midfield.

Palace reportedly made it clear over the summer that Wharton was not for sale. Despite that stance, the report says Chelsea remain optimistic they can convince the Eagles and there is a belief they could sign the Englishman for £80million.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
According to the report, any fresh approach would come at the start of 2027, once the winter transfer window opens.