Chelsea has firmly rejected a staggering £149m bid from Manchester City for the coveted Cole Palmer, according to recent reports. The Blues, having acquired Palmer for £40m in 2023, are reportedly demanding a world-record £250m to even consider parting ways with the young star.
This stunning rejection comes after Palmer’s remarkable two-season stint at Stamford Bridge, where he’s amassed an impressive 37 goals and 19 assists in 70 Premier League matches, along with earning 12 England caps. Manchester City’s attempt to bring Palmer back to the Etihad Stadium highlights their regret at the initial sale.
Spanish outlet Fichajes claims Chelsea’s board has doubled down, asserting that negotiations will only commence if the bid reaches the unprecedented £250m mark, a figure that would shatter all existing transfer records, surpassing even Neymar’s €222m move to PSG in 2017.
This hefty asking price isn’t just a tactic to deter potential suitors, Chelsea insists. It reflects their ambition to compete at the highest level while retaining their key players. High praise for Palmer has come from within Chelsea, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez hailing him as “the best in the world,” while former Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele, although suggesting Palmer could be more selfless on the pitch, predicts a bright future for him at Chelsea.
The situation adds another layer of intrigue to this summer’s transfer window, highlighting the high stakes and significant financial investments involved in elite-level football. Meanwhile, other players such as Bryan Mbeumo and Mohammed Kudus seek to secure their own moves. Chelsea’s stance on Palmer’s future underscores their strong financial position and determination to maintain their status as top contenders in the Premier League.