Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Daniel Munoz. (Reuters/Andrew Boyers)
Chelsea’s summer transfer window was once again one of the most eventful in the Premier League, with the Blues overseeing a whirlwind of activity both in and out of Stamford Bridge.
Exciting talents such as Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jorrel Hato, and headline signing Alejandro Garnacho were all recruited, while high-profile departures saw Joao Félix, Nono Madueke, and Christopher Nkunku move on.
That shake-up already looks to be bearing fruit.
Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have kicked off the 2025/26 campaign with energy and resilience, going unbeaten in their opening four league matches. With two victories and two draws, they may not be perfect, but their early form has been encouraging enough to see them sitting in fifth place — a platform from which they hope to push for a return to the Champions League.
Still, Chelsea’s hierarchy know the project is far from complete, and preparations are already being made for the January transfer window.
Chelsea Eyeing Wharton
TEAMtalk report that Chelsea are stepping up their interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, with the 21-year-old now considered a leading target for the club’s next recruitment phase.
Wharton has earned plaudits across the division for his composure, passing range, and ability to dictate the tempo of matches. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola even described him as “brilliant”, a compliment that underlines the youngster’s rising status in English football.
Sources close to the situation claim Chelsea initially pencilled Wharton in as a long-term target for the summer of 2026. However, with his rapid development and growing influence at Selhurst Park, the Blues are now weighing up a January bid to get ahead of rival suitors.
The England international has been instrumental for Palace, playing a pivotal role in their memorable FA Cup triumph last season and helping them lift the Community Shield earlier this summer.
That track record of performing in big moments has made him a realistic — and highly attractive — option for Chelsea, who see him as someone capable of not only slotting into Maresca’s midfield rotation now, but also anchoring it for years to come.
For Palace, the challenge may soon be resisting the inevitable — with Chelsea rarely taking no for an answer when it comes to prising away the Premier League’s brightest young stars.
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