Chelsea Transfer News Today: Adam Wharton message as approach expected

Updated: 21 Aug 2026 16:57 BST |
5 min read

Cameron Smith
|
Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Make us your Google favourite

FootballTransfers runs through the latest Chelsea transfer news, rumours and gossip, including updates on Adam Wharton and Nicolas Jackson.

Article continues under the video

Adam Wharton hint

Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage has told Chelsea that Adam Wharton will not be sold before the end of the summer transfer window, although he has refused to rule out a departure in 2027.

Chelsea have been tipped to pursue a deal for Wharton before Transfer Deadline Day if Enzo Fernandez is sold to Manchester City, however Sage believes that a sale will not be finalised during the final two weeks of the window. But, he has hinted that Wharton will be allowed to leave the club next summer.

“I think now is not the moment to do that (sell Wharton),” Sage told reporters during his pre-match press conference ahead of Crystal Palace’s first game of the new Premier League season versus Everton on Saturday.

“I think he is able to play in another club, in a big club, here or everywhere in Europe. But I think one year with us, with a new dynamic, will be good for him, and we need him. That’s why I think he will stay with us.”

Nicolas Jackson approach expected

Chelsea are expecting Aston Villa to lodge an approach for Nicolas Jackson before the window closes, as per The Telegraph.

A €75m price tag has been slapped on the Senegal star’s head and despite this lofty valuation, Chelsea believe that Villa will look to finalise a deal amid the uncertain long-term future of Ollie Watkins.

Unai Emery worked with Jackson at Villarreal and after significant interest last summer, Villa are now keen to finally sign him as they pursue attacking depth. Atletico Madrid have also been linked, although they are currently favouring a loan deal, which doesn’t appeal to Chelsea.

Liam Delap to Everton?

Everton are in talks to sign Chelsea centre forward Liam Delap, according to transfer reporter Nicolo Schira.

The 23-year-old only scored one Premier League goal during his debut season at Stamford Bridge and the Blues are now keen to sanction a permanent sale before Deadline Day, with Everton reportedly locked in discussions over a surprise deal.

Leeds United and Nottingham Forest have also been linked with Delap, although it remains to be seen if they will directly rival Everton in the race for his signature.

13 deals to come

Chelsea have reached a full agreement to send Axel Disasi on loan to Crystal Palace for the 2026-27 season, and 12 more player exits are expected to be finalised before Transfer Deadline Day.

Chelsea were initially keen to offload Disasi on a permanent deal this summer, but they have been forced to accept another temporary exit, with fellow centre-back Benoit Badiashile also on the verge of leaving on loan to Napoli.

Meanwhile, the Blues are in talks with sister club Strasbourg over deals for Deivid Washington, Omari Kellyman and Mykhailo Mudryk, as confirmed by BBC Sport reporter Nizaar Kinsella, with the latter also wanted by several clubs in the Premier League.

Al-Hilal, Real Sociedad are both eager to sign Mamadou Sarr on loan, Shumaira Mheuka has several options ahead of a temporary exit to gain first-team experience, and Nicolas Jackson is wanted by Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa.

In addition, Chelsea also need to find solutions for Liam Delap, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, David Datro Fofana and Caleb Wiley, according to Kinsella.

Xabi Alonso on Enzo Fernandez

Xabi Alonso has refused to comment on continued speculation linking Enzo Fernandez with a move to Manchester City before the end of the summer window.

“We have a great player with Enzo,” Alonso said ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Fulham on Monday. “He is a top player, he has been so important, and we are happy that when I see him training, you see that he is a competitive mentality, a competitive player, and we work with him every day very well.”

Alonso added: “I’m sure it will happen [supporters getting behind Fernandez] because this is the normal situation in football, and once we start the competition, we need the support, and we need the full commitment of all the team and of all the supporters when they come to Stamford Bridge, that we are all on the same direction and that we are pushing in the same direction.”

Leeds chase Mudryk

Leeds United are holding formal talks over a loan move for Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk, Sky Sports reports.

The Elland Road outfit have joined Strasbourg and Coventry in the race to sign the Ukraine international, and an opening bid has been rejected by Chelsea, though the details of the offer have not been disclosed.

Mudryk is believed to be open to the move. In fact, it is understood that remaining in the Premier League would be his preference this summer. It is not clear whether Leeds are looking to include a permanent element in the deal.