Adam Wharton may have missed out on England selection, but the Crystal Palace midfielder is still expected to be one of the most talked-about names in this summer’s transfer market.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed another outstanding campaign at Selhurst Park and recently celebrated Europa Conference League success with Palace, further strengthening his growing reputation across the Premier League.
The Eagles do not want to lose the player and hope he chooses to stay and lead them into a Europa League campaign next season. Yet Chelsea are among the clubs monitoring his position very closely.
The Blues have consistently scouted Wharton throughout the season and are considered one of the strongest contenders to make a move to test the situation.
Chelsea are actively searching for midfield reinforcements this summer.
While speculation continues around the future of Enzo Fernandez, sources indicate the club’s interest in Wharton is unrelated to whether the Argentine remains at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s pursuit is perhaps closer connected to uncertainty surrounding players such as Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos.
Either way, the club are slightly altering how they approach the next transfer window. They have largely focused on signing young prospects in recent times, but sources have confirmed to Flashscore that Chelsea are now prioritising more proven Premier League talent as they look to accelerate their development under the current project.
Wharton is viewed internally as an ideal fit for the direction Chelsea are moving in.
The London club have also explored deals for other Premier League midfielders, including Elliot Anderson and Alex Scott. However, there is a growing belief within football circles that Anderson is set to join Manchester City, with Chelsea now thought to have cooled their interest.
Scott remains a player attracting attention, with Manchester United also monitoring the Bournemouth midfielder should they miss out on their primary targets.
With Wharton not involved in the upcoming World Cup, there is no immediate pressure for him to decide his future.
Despite disappointment over his England omission, Wharton has taken the setback in stride.
“I’m not going to sit here and cry about it,” he said. “I don’t dwell on those things too much.”
