Chelsea are reportedly ready to fend off interest from Premier League big sharks for attacking midfielder Cole Palmer by setting a remarkable £85 million asking price for the England international.
According to Football Insider, Chelsea will look to at least double their money if they are forced to sell attacking midfield sensation Cole Palmer just six months into his time at the club amid outside Premier League interest.
Over the past couple of years, the Blues have spent an alarming amount of money on new players that have failed to live up to expectations.
Surrounded by mega money signings who aren’t bringing the consistency their price tag merits, Cole Palmer is the one standing out for the Blues since arriving at Stamford Bridge on deadline day for £42.5 million.
Palmer has been a revelation at Chelsea with 14 goals and 12 assists in 34 appearances in all competitions this campaign. He has slotted into manager Mauricio Pochettino’s system seamlessly.
Often dropping back and picking the ball up to act as a link-up between the defensive unit and the midfield lines, the Englishman seems to have made himself comfortable at Chelsea already.
His fantastic performances in recent weeks have commanded the attention of Gareth Southgate and the England camp, making the latest squad for March friendlies, although he sat out the weekend clash with the Selecao due to a knock.
And he is already attracting interest with recent rumours about Palmer being poached by one of their fellow “big six” sides.
Chelsea set new Cole Palmer price tag
With Chelsea still stuck in midtable, the danger of losing him after one year is there. To that end, the Blues are planning to hold talks with Palmer about a contract renewal, even though they already tied him down until 2030 when signing him.
While they are willing to give him a boost in recognition of his importance to the squad, they also have set a high asking price in case they get any transfer offers for him this summer.
On one hand many Chelsea signings have lost value this season, Palmer’s stock has risen. Todd Boehly & co. believe Palmer’s valuation has doubled since they bought him. In short, they will not entertain any bid below the £85 million benchmark.
If someone offers that much money on the table and Chelsea accept, Palmer would become Chelsea’s second most expensive sale ever after Eden Hazard, which showcases their eagerness to keep hold of him.
To have the best opportunity of doing so and make sure his head is not turned by outside interest, they will need to make greater progress on the pitch.
