Report: Chelsea ramp up January move for £60m-rated Premier League Star | OneFootball

Chelsea Eye Adam Wharton as January Priority

Chelsea are intensifying their pursuit of Crystal Palace’s talented midfielder Adam Wharton as they look to bolster their midfield in the January transfer window, TeamTalk understands. This is a significant development for a player whose rise has been as rapid as it has been impressive.

Enzo Maresca’s side are short on reliable options in midfield with Romeo Lavia still struggling to stay fit. Lavia, 21, a Belgian international, has shown flashes of brilliance since joining Chelsea but has been plagued by persistent injuries, limiting his ability to become a consistent starter. Maresca is now exploring options to reinforce his squad, and Wharton is at the top of his list.

“Wharton’s performances for Palace, where he has established himself as a key player, have put him firmly on Chelsea’s radar, with the club seeing him as a realistic and attainable target.”

Why Wharton Fits Chelsea’s Midfield Plan

The 21-year-old Palace star has impressed with his composure, vision, and ability to dictate play, making him an ideal fit for Chelsea’s dynamic system. His ability to control the tempo of a game is rare for a player so young and Chelsea see him as someone who could anchor their midfield for years to come.

Sources indicate that Chelsea view Wharton as a long-term investment, with a potential move initially targeted for the summer of 2026. However, a January swoop is not being ruled out, as the Blues aim to act swiftly to secure a dominant midfielder capable of sharing the load with their current options.

Transfer Battle Brewing Among Premier League Giants

Manchester United, Liverpool, and Newcastle United are also admirers of Wharton, so Chelsea will face competition for his signature. While Brighton’s Carlos Baleba is also under consideration, sources suggest that a deal for the Cameroonian would be far more challenging, particularly in the January window.

Wharton, by contrast, is viewed as a more feasible option, with Chelsea confident they can negotiate a deal with Palace. Palace will be reluctant sellers after Wharton’s FA Cup-winning season and recent England recognition, but money talks and Chelsea have made midfield depth a priority.

Wharton’s Rapid Rise to the Top

Wharton’s journey is one of a young player seizing every opportunity. From signing his first professional contract with Blackburn Rovers in February 2022 to making his senior debut later that year, his development has been relentless. He earned his first senior England call-up in May 2024 and was named in the Euro 2024 squad just a month later.

Photo: IMAGO

Despite a setback with groin surgery in late 2024, Wharton returned to play a central role in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup triumph, their first in club history, before helping them win the Community Shield against Liverpool. His influence on this Palace side cannot be overstated and Chelsea’s interest reflects just how far he has come.

As Maresca continues to shape his squad, the addition of a player like Wharton could provide the stability and creativity Chelsea need to compete at the highest level, both domestically and in Europe, in the second half of the 2025/26 season.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Chelsea fans will be excited by the prospect of Wharton joining their club, as he feels like a player who could transform their midfield. Supporters have been calling for someone to step up alongside Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández, and Wharton looks like the kind of intelligent passer who could unlock defences.

Crystal Palace fans will be understandably concerned. Wharton has become the heartbeat of their midfield and losing him mid-season would be a huge blow, particularly after the club’s historic FA Cup success and promising start to the campaign.

Liverpool and Manchester United supporters will also watch this with interest. Both clubs have been linked with midfield reinforcements, and Wharton represents the type of young, homegrown talent they crave. If Chelsea act decisively in January, they could beat their rivals to a signing that could shape the Premier League for years to come.

For Chelsea, the question will be whether Wharton can handle the step up in expectation and pressure at Stamford Bridge. The club’s recruitment has been hit-and-miss in recent seasons, so fans will hope this is the start of a more targeted, strategic approach.