Real Madrid receive boost in pursuit of midfielder as Premier League giants cool interest | OneFootball

With the new year just around the corner, Real Madrid have already started drawing up a potential transfer shortlist for the summer of 2026.

One of the players that Real Madrid are keen on signing is Adam Wharton. The Crystal Palace starlet is seen as an ideal long-term replacement for Toni Kroos.

During his time in the Premier League so far, Wharton has impressed with his technical prowess and ability to distribute possession. This is coupled with his age profile – making him an attractive target for Los Blancos.

However, Real Madrid are expected to face stiff competition from other Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, in the race to sign Wharton.

Man City pull away from Wharton case

That said, recent reports in England, as cited by AS, suggest that Manchester City are starting pull away from the race to sign Wharton.

Although the Cityzens are indeed looking for a new midfielder next summer, Wharton is no longer their priority target.

Will Wharton move to Real Madrid next summer? (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

That is because Pep Guardiola’s team is looking to sign Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, who has also shown immense promise in the Premier League so far.

This is good news for Real Madrid as it would mean Los Blancos would have one less rival in the pursuit of Wharton.

This is particularly important given the fact that Real Madrid are unlikely to indulge in a bidding war for the English midfielder.

They have set a strict spending limit for Wharton, exceeding which the club would rely on the player himself to push for a move to Santiago Bernabeu.

With Guardiola’s Man City pulling out of the race, it will become relatively easier for Real Madrid to convince Wharton to move to the Spanish capital next season.