Chelsea have made Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton a priority transfer target alongside defender Maxence Lacroix

Chelsea are continuing their aggressive recruitment drive under new manager Xabi Alonso, with Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton now emerging as one of the club’s top priorities ahead of the new Premier League season. 

The Blues are already working on deals for Palace defender Maxence Lacroix and Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra as they look to reshape the squad.

Wharton has long been admired by Chelsea’s recruitment team, and the England international remains firmly on their shortlist despite the challenges involved in negotiating with Crystal Palace. 

The 22-year-old has developed into one of the Premier League’s standout young midfielders, and Stamford Bridge officials believe he has the quality to become a key figure in Alonso’s long-term project.

According to reports, there is growing confidence that the Blues could make serious progress in their pursuit. While Palace are expected to resist any attempt to sell one of their most valuable players, Chelsea have not been discouraged and remain determined to test the Eagles’ resolve.

The west London club are also advancing their efforts to sign defender Maxence Lacroix, who is believed to be open to a move to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea see the French centre-back as an ideal addition to strengthen their defence, while Marco Palestra is also closing in on completing his switch from Atalanta.

Landing both Wharton and Lacroix in the same transfer window would represent a major statement of intent from Chelsea’s new leadership. Alonso is eager to build a younger, more dynamic squad, with both Palace stars fitting the profile of players capable of becoming long-term pillars of his team.

Crystal Palace, however, are under little pressure to sell. Losing one key player would already leave a significant gap in Oliver Glasner’s squad, while allowing both Wharton and Lacroix to depart in the same summer would require a substantial rebuilding process.

Financially, any deal would come at a premium. Palace are believed to value Lacroix at around £50 million, while Wharton could command a fee in the region of £70 million, meaning Chelsea may need to spend close to £120 million to complete the ambitious double signing.

Chelsea’s ownership has repeatedly shown a willingness to invest heavily in young talent they believe can shape the club’s future. If Alonso identifies Wharton and Lacroix as essential pieces of his rebuild, the Blues could soon return with offers capable of forcing Crystal Palace into a difficult decision before the transfer window closes.