Chelsea poised to open talks with Manchester City over swoop for star attacking talent

Manchester City are set to be on the receiving end of an approach from Chelsea after the London club highlighted Cole Palmer as a target for the attacking positions.

The 21-year-old is facing a crossroads in his Manchester City career during the final few days of the summer transfer window, and largely following the arrival of Jeremy Doku from Stade Rennais to the Premier League champions.

Palmer has produced some stellar performances in the opening weeks of the new season, whilst also providing two high-profile goals in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, and the UEFA Super Cup victory over Sevilla in Athens.

However, game-time could continue to come at a premium for one of the club’s star academy graduates, and with such game-time seen as imperative for his development this season, a move away from the Etihad Stadium is being considered.

After commanding interest from a number of Premier League clubs already this summer, as well as several clubs from on the continent, a new team has emerged as a serious candidate for Cole Palmer as the transfer deadline approaches.

According to the information of Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have now added Manchester City academy graduate Cole Palmer to their list of ‘talented offensive players’ that are being considered as a final addition at Stamford Bridge this summer.

It is further explained that Chelsea are set to open talks with Manchester City soon as they see Palmer as the ‘best solution’. However, it remains to be seen what City’s position is on the player, while Chelsea are said to ‘really want him’.

Already this summer, Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United have both shown interest in Palmer, while it is understood that City turned down an approach worth around £30 million from the former.

In Europe, Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund indicated a level of interest in Palmer, however the finances being discussed for a permanent transfer proved to be problematic for the German club’s officials.

For now it remains to be seen what valuation Manchester City have on Cole Palmer, however it is expected that they would be seeking a significant outlay from Stamford Bridge transfer chiefs, should negotiations proceed to that point.