Chelsea retain interest in 27-year-old Barcelona midfield star.
Speaking to TNT Sports (h/t football.london), Joe Cole has been vocal in urging Cole Palmer to remain at Chelsea and become the face of the club’s new era at Stamford Bridge. Cole believes it’s only a matter of time before Chelsea returns to the top flight, and Palmer can play a pivotal role in that resurgence.
Palmer has emerged as an unexpected bright spot in another challenging season at Stamford Bridge. Since his £42.5 million ($52.5 million) transfer from Manchester City on the summer transfer deadline day, Palmer has dazzled with his performances, earning widespread acclaim.
His stellar displays have not gone unnoticed, as he recently earned his first two senior England caps under Gareth Southgate. With Euro 2024 on the horizon, Palmer appears poised to make a significant impact on the international stage as well.
Former Chelsea winger Cole has praised Palmer for taking the “step down” in the hunt for more matches. Cole told the reporters:
“I think you’ve got to credit him for taking [the move]. Ultimately, we have to say it was a step down from where he was the treble-winners, of course. And he’s been brilliant. He lit the place up.”
“He’s been extraordinary, and I think he could have played himself into the England team. I think he’s got the mindset for it. I think he’s got the quality. And I think if I was him, I’d want to be the face of the rebirth of Chelsea Football Club as a global team.”
Nevertheless, pundits like former Stamford Bridge favorite Joe Cole are urging Palmer to stay the course and become the poster boy for the club’s project. Cole believes that under-pressure manager Mauricio Pochettino is the right man to lead Chelsea forward and help Palmer fulfill his potential at Stamford Bridge.
Then the reporters questioned the former Chelsea player if he would advise Palmer to stay at Chelsea. He replied:
“Yeah, 100%. Because it’s not like Chelsea are not ever going to get back to the top – they will be. Even if they make as many mistakes as they have been in the last three years, you’re still going to get some wins. Cole Palmer is looking like a leader in the team as well? So just a proper player.”
The 22-year-old, who joined with no first-team experience, now has 36 goal contributions in all competitions, including 20 Premier League strikes, as he keeps pace with former teammate Erling Haaland at the top of the Premier League scoring statistics.
Despite Palmer’s personal successes, there will inevitably be increased speculation about his future as the summer transfer window approaches, especially given the stark contrast between his achievements and Chelsea’s ongoing struggles.
While Chelsea still have a chance of making a late push for European qualification, their difficulties in escaping mid-table this season have been evident. The thrashing to Arsenal last night highlights the word that needs to be done at Stamford Bridge.
Unfortunately for Pochettino, Chelsea’s new star, Palmer, is a significant worry as the club prepares for Tuesday night’s London derby against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The 22-year-old was absent from training on Monday owing to sickness, and his manager said he may still not be fit to play even if he recovers in time.
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