Arsenal are expected to bolster their midfield in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Gunners need a good-enough backup for Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, but more importantly, they need an attacking midfielder who is much better than those they currently have.
Both Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze are incredible on their day, but neither player has been consistent enough this season for different reasons.
Arsenal have been linked with a few names, but the biggest one yet by a considerable distance is Cole Palmer.
Cole Palmer to Arsenal – yes or no?
Arsenal register interest in signing Cole Palmer from Chelsea
Palmer is one of the best players in the Premier League.
The Englishman joined the Blues from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, and he has since been a revelation for them.
Palmer has directly contributed to 85 goals in 124 games for Chelsea, which is an incredible return for a number 10 who had barely played at senior level before.
Now, with Chelsea just two points off 10th place, there is speculation that their best players could leave, and Arsenal are said to have added Palmer to their list of targets.
That’s according to Simon Phillips, who said on his Substack: “Enzo Fernandez, Marc Cucurella, and Cole Palmer have all been seriously eyeing the exit door. However, the likes of Palmer are concerned that the club will price him out of any move away this summer.
“On Palmer, another top source has told us yesterday that Arsenal are the latest club to have registered an interest in signing the England international. From a personal point of view, I can’t see him staying in London if he does leave Chelsea, because he has been quite homesick at times.
“Although, he might not have too many choices on where he does go, if he really does want out of the club. Palmer has not been causing any issues, though, and has continued to work hard and stay committed.
“Arsenal are planning to sell Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Ethan Nwaneri, and Mikel Merino this summer, and they want a ‘superstar No.10’ to replace them. Palmer is on their list.”
What’s the maximum fee you would pay to sign Cole Palmer for Arsenal?
Cole Palmer could be the first Chelsea player Arsenal fans approve
Arsenal supporters have not been big fans of their club doing business with Chelsea in recent years.
Since the start of this decade, the Gunners have signed Willian, Jorginho, Kai Havertz, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Noni Madueke from the Blues, and the common theme is that no Arsenal fan was happy with any of these signings when talks first began.
That could change if Arsenal make a move for Palmer.
The England international is younger than Odegaard and has a higher ceiling. He has been immense for Chelsea in recent years, and we think he will be even better at a superior club like Arsenal.
However, we expect this deal to cost an absolute fortune this summer, so it remains to be seen if the Kroenkes will sanction it.
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