Chelsea enter Adam Wharton race as Blues consider making late window move for Crystal Palace midfielder

Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest - Premier League

Chelsea are reportedly interested in pursuing a deal for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton but view him as a long-term target.

WHAT HAPPENED?

TalkSport's Alex Crook reports the Blues have added Wharton to a long-term list of targets, making a last-minute deal before the window slams shut on September 1 unlikely. The 23-year-old midfielder is believed to have committed to another season in south London.

Chelsea v Crystal Palace - Premier League

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Earlier this summer, reports suggested Liverpool were the favourites to secure the England international's signature. The Reds will likely formalise their long-term interest by lodging a bid for Wharton in the summer of 2026. In recent weeks, the Spanish media have talked up the prospect of a switch to Real Madrid.

DID YOU KNOW?

Wharton's value could be on the rise as he was called up for Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. In his 18 months at Selhurst Park, he has become a key part of Oliver Glasner's FA Cup winning side.

Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest - Premier League

WHAT NEXT FOR WHARTON?

Wharton's immediate future almost certainly lies at Selhurst Park, with any move for his services in the dwindling window likely to be rebuffed by a Palace side that has already lost its talisman in Eberechi Eze. After Palace's away day at Aston Villa on Sunday, he will join up with the senior England side for the first time since Euro 2024.