Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has been identified as a probable candidate to move on from Selhurst Park when the next transfer window opens, with former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel having forecast that Manchester United could be his likely destination.
Obi Mikel, who spent over a decade at Stamford Bridge during his playing career, suggested that Chelsea would represent a fitting club for Wharton, though the Nigeria international additionally expressed the view that the England international might ultimately opt to sign for United instead.
Chelsea conducted significant recruitment activity during the most recent summer transfer period, welcoming 13 new players to the squad.
Prior to the window closing, the club had been exploring options to strengthen their midfield options.
The departure of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City in a deal worth £125million prompted Chelsea to pursue Monaco’s Lamine Camara as a replacement, though the proposed transfer collapsed in the closing stages of negotiations.
Wharton’s long-term future at Palace has generated persistent speculation, though no concrete approach from Chelsea has materialised to this point.
Reports have indicated that Palace would require a minimum fee of £80million before entertaining any discussions regarding a potential sale.
Despite his obvious connections to Chelsea, Obi Mikel suggested that United could emerge as a serious contender for Wharton’s signature when the transfer market reopens.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Obi Mikel stated his admiration for Wharton while acknowledging the quality available across the Premier League, suggesting Arsenal possessed a settled squad with an established system.