Latest developments
- Real Madrid are preparing to bid for Chelsea's Cole Palmer.
- The Englishman is unlikely to go for under £100 million.
- Palmer notched his 11th Premier League goal of the season at the weekend.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2/5): Fichajes don't share their sources
Chelsea's Cole Palmer is the subject of one of the transfer rumours of the season so far, with Real Madrid said to be lining up a blockbuster bid for the England star.
This story broke on Spanish site fichajes.net, who report on a lot of rumours, particularly those involving Spain's big clubs, but as usual, are quite quiet when it comes to their sources.
Value (3.5/5): Is huge fee worth it?
Averaging better than a goal involvement per game in the Premier League this season after scoring against Spain in the UEFA Euro 2024 final, it would come as no surprise if Palmer has peaked the interest of Real president Florentino Perez.
But if he is to add another English Galactico to his collection, he will likely have to part with a far greater figure than Palmer's current market value of £74.5 million, with some reports claiming Chelsea will want more than £100 million. Given Palmer's form an recent trends in the market, some would say that's a reasonable fee.
Suitability (2.5/5): Another puzzle piece to fit
The 22-year-old clearly has the skill and temperament to succeed at the Bernabeu, but having just found a way to accommodate Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid would be at risk of having yet another expensive jigsaw piece to somehow slot into their side.
Upgrade? (2.5/5): Palmer at Real's level
And that is because they already have Jude Bellingham to play as their attacking midfielder, while Brahim Diaz has proven to be a capable back-up. Meanwhile on the right, from where Palmer loves to cut inside, Real Madrid have Arda Guler and Rodrygo vying for minutes.
Palmer is as good, if not better, than almost all of those players, but that doesn't mean Los Blancos need him.
Logic (2.5/5): Better to be the outright star?
The talisman at Stamford Bridge who is one of the best players in the Premier League, if not the best, Palmer might be better off staying put, where he is flying under Enzo Maresca, rather than just be one of a galaxy of stars under Carlo Ancelotti.
With enough egos to take care of for the time being, Ancelotti could do without another selection headache, too.
Whisper+ verdict: 13/25
Cole Palmer has the capability to be the next Real Madrid star signing, but with little more than speculation behind this rumour for the moment, Chelsea fans can breathe easy.
