Chelsea ‘in love’ with €185m Premier League duo

Chelsea are reportedly in “love” with Premier League duo Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson amid their pursuit of a new central midfielder.

The Blues bolstered Enzo Maresca’s squad with €339.2 million worth of new signings over the summer, however they are widely expected to dip back into the transfer market in 2026 as they continue their search for the best young footballers in the world.

Chelsea have already finalised agreements for Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha, Dastan Satpaev and Denner to join the club next year, while they have now added Wharton and Anderson to their wishlist, as per Blues journalist Simon Phillips.

The west London outfit have been linked with both players on a number of occasions over the past few months, but they have stepped up their interest in the two England internationals amid Romeo Lavia’s never-ending injury issues.

The Belgium star has missed a total of 85 matches through injury since his arrival at Chelsea back in 2023 and he is currently sidelined through a quadricep problem he suffered against Qarabag in early November.

As a result, the Blues are eager to bolster their midfield roster and they have reportedly earmarked Wharton and Anderson as key targets, with the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge keen to bring one of them to west London next summer.

Chelsea chase Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson

While Chelsea have identified Wharton and Anderson as top targets for 2026, they will face significant competition in the race for the England pair.

Manchester United are known admirers of both players, and are set to pursue an agreement next year, while Liverpool and Manchester City are interested in Wharton and Anderson respectively.

As a result, Maresca’s side are set to face a major transfer battle if they opt to solidify their interest in both Premier League stars.

Wharton is expected to command a transfer fee of at least €70m next summer, while rumours have suggested that Nottingham Forest will only allow Anderson to depart if they receive an offer worth a minimum of €115m.

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