Crystal Palace question signing ‘underdog’ Chelsea star in Wharton and Lacroix talks
Chelsea’s summer deal with Crystal Palace could yet go beyond a one-tent deal.
The Blues continue to be interested in England midfielder Adam Wharton despite Palace being heavily named, while Maxence Lacroix is also under heavy scrutiny as the London rivals discuss defensive options.
Reports from L’Equipe recently claimed that Lacroix is set to join Chelsea after his World Cup involvement with France, but the situation has been quiet recently.
With Chelsea expected to reshape many areas of Xabi Alonso’s squad before the window closes, links between the two clubs remain active as talks continue over various players.
This ongoing discussion could still give the Palace’s new boss Pierre Sage another chance in the market.
Crystal Palace inquire about Chalobah during Wharton’s talks with Lacroix
According to Chelsea insider Simon Phillips, Palace inquired about Trevoh Chalobah during early talks with Chelsea about Wharton and Lacroix.
Although the “underrated” defender has since attracted interest from Italy, Phillips says a return to those talks cannot be ruled out if circumstances change later in the transfer window.
At the moment, it seems that Serie A is the likely destination for Chalobah.
Inter Milan have spent recent weeks trying to negotiate a deal, while ambitious Como also remain in the picture. However, no club matched Chelsea’s asking price, leaving the defender’s future in limbo despite strong interest from abroad.
That uncertainty would suit the Palace.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
Simon Phillips has built up a solid following at Chelsea, regularly breaking transfer deals before being snapped up elsewhere. Although he is considered a well-connected club-specific reporter rather than a transfer authority, many specials are later supported by regular reporters, giving his information strong credibility. |
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Finance |
Chelsea’s reported £35 million fee reflects Chalobah’s experience in the Premier League despite his contract entering the final two years. Inter and Como have so far rejected that price, creating an opportunity for English clubs. Palace will likely pursue a deal seriously if the outgoing transfer generates enough money first. |
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Understanding |
Developed through Chelsea’s academy, he has experience in a back four and a back three, and his composure on the ball and his knowledge make him well-suited to ball-based football. His previous spell at Palace showed just how quickly he can combine at Selhurst Park. |
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Impact |
Re-signing Chalobah would give Palace a defender who needs little adjustment and who understands the situation at the club. His versatility will strengthen many defensive positions, while his Premier League pedigree will help maintain stability should Palace lose a key central midfielder before the transfer window closes. |
Fans know Chalobah well from the defender’s short-term loan at Selhurst Park for the first half of the 2024/2025 season. He settled quickly, looked comfortable in the back three and became a key figure as Palace finished the campaign strongly.
Since returning to Chelsea, he has continued to mature into a reliable Premier League full-back who can play in central or right-back, with Thomas Tuchel calling up England’s World Cup squad after Tino Livramento was injured.
If Lacroix were to leave this summer, bringing back Chalobah would represent a move that carried much less risk.
Chalobah would be the perfect Palace to sign for Sage
Unlike many transfer targets who arrive from overseas, this Chelsea graduate already understands Palace, the demands of Premier League football and the club’s expectations.
That familiarity could make him an attractive solution if Palace need a replacement without going through a long layoff process.
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The biggest hurdle remains Chelsea’s reckoning.
Phillips reports that the Blues want around £35 million, a figure that has already weakened Inter and Como during negotiations.
Palace are unlikely to overpay, especially while uncertainty remains over potential transfers, but the clubs’ continued contact means the situation should be looked at as the window grows.
With Chelsea and Palace already discussing a number of players this summer, it won’t take much for Chalobah’s name to return to the top of the agenda.
