Chelsea consider just one player untouchable for a summer transfer and it is not Cole Palmer with his potential asking price emerging
Chelsea forward Cole Palmer would reportedly command a minimum fee of £80million before Xabi Alonso’s side would even consider entering negotiations over a potential sale this summer.
The Blues attacker, having been overlooked for England’s World Cup squad, appears destined for a prolonged period of uncertainty regarding his future, following his club’s failure to secure any form of European football for next season.
Amid a turbulent campaign, speculation emerged over a potential switch to Old Trafford, with Palmer a boyhood United fan. Those rumours somewhat faded, however, as Michael Carrick and his backroom staff turned their attention to strengthening other areas of the squad.
United’s interest could be rekindled, though, with his price tag now emerging in the wake of some telling comments that hint he may be open to departing. According to The Sun, £80m would be the starting point for any negotiations.
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Their report states that Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella are others that could be sold while Joao Pedro could command a staggering £100million fee amid interest from Barcelona. Moises Caicedo however, is considered untouchable.
Chelsea are hardly in a position of strength heading into any potential discussions, however, with a defeat to Sunderland last weekend condemning them to a 10th-place finish and leaving them without a European spot. Palmer had made quite the bold Champions League claim prior to Chelsea’s dismal run of just one league victory in five matches.
He told TNT Sports: “Hopefully [I can achieve my ambitions at Chelsea]. I believe in the club, they spoke to us as players. Hopefully I, and we, can win a lot at Chelsea. If we’re not in the Champions League, everything changes. We need to finish in the Champions League.”
Having secured third place, United are back in Europe’s premier club competition but could face a battle for Palmer’s signature from fellow Champions League contenders Manchester City. Reports in Spain have gone so far as to claim an £86million bid is already on the table.
While that may seem somewhat far-fetched, a return to the Etihad Stadium for Palmer cannot be entirely ruled out, particularly with his former boss Enzo Maresca poised to succeed Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola took charge of his final match as City manager last weekend and is widely expected to be replaced by former Chelsea head coach Maresca, who previously served as Guardiola’s assistant.
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The Italian, who arguably brought out the very best in Palmer, left Stamford Bridge earlier this year following a falling out with the club’s hierarchy, with Liam Rosenior stepping in as his successor.
He was dismissed just months into his tenure, with Xabi Alonso, who had been heavily linked with the City job, confirmed as their manager for the 2026/27 season.
United had also appeared likely to enter the managerial market this summer but ultimately opted to hand Michael Carrick the role on a permanent basis after he steered the club to a third-place finish. Midfielders remain United’s primary focus, but Palmer could represent a rare market opportunity given Chelsea’s shortcomings.
