{"id":290952,"date":"2025-07-25T15:49:11","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T15:49:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/290952\/"},"modified":"2025-07-25T15:49:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T15:49:11","slug":"chelsea-come-up-short-in-number-ten-pursuit-after-stamford-bridge-chiefs-fly-out-to-secure-transfer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/290952\/","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea come up short in ‘number ten’ pursuit after Stamford Bridge chiefs fly out to secure transfer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Even though Chelsea own one of the world\u2019s elite playmakers in Cole Palmer, they are still linked in the transfer rumour mill with creative targets.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cole Palmer<\/a>, 23, has been the star of the Chelsea squad<\/a> during his first two seasons at the club.<\/p>\n

Palmer, praised by Jose Mourinho recently<\/a>, picked up his first two trophies with the Blues last term, winning the Club World Cup and Conference League. Without a doubt, he\u2019s got the kind of ability where he should be lifting silverware on a pretty consistent basis.<\/p>\n

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Cole Palmer registered 8 assists from 12.89(xA) last season.<\/p>\n

In other words, his teammates should\u2019ve scored ~5 goals more from his passes. pic.twitter.com\/6D0BRMg0vB<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 The xG Philosophy (@xGPhilosophy) July 24, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

View Tweet<\/p>\n

It\u2019s interesting to think that the left-footed genius enjoyed most of his success under Mauricio Pochettino on the right wing. Last season under Enzo Maresca, he moved centrally to dictate play from a number ten role.<\/p>\n

The Blues may actually need extra cover for Palmer because teammates Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix are linked with potential exits, though.<\/p>\n

Nkunku has been deemed \u2018surplus to requirements\u2019<\/a> after a tough spell in West London. Similarly, Benfica are \u2018going big\u2019 to sign Felix<\/a>, who\u2019s available this summer.<\/p>\n

\"ToddPhoto by Darren Walsh\/Chelsea FC via Getty ImagesChelsea fail with Kenan Yildiz offer<\/p>\n

The name of Juventus star Kenan Yildiz<\/strong>, 20, has cropped up in Blues transfer speculation recently. In fact, Chelsea made contact in April about signing Yildiz<\/a> during this summer window.<\/p>\n

However, it looks like the highly-rated Turkey international is staying put in Turin.<\/p>\n

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport<\/a>, Chelsea submitted a bid worth around \u20ac65-68m (\u00a357-60m) for Juventus ace Yildiz.<\/p>\n

It is understood that Stamford Bridge officials arrived in Italy recently to ask about the Serie A sensation, but their offer has been rejected.<\/p>\n

The report adds that Juventus have refused to open the door for their \u2018number ten\u2019 despite listening to Chelsea\u2019s sizeable offer. Apparently, they even gave a very clear message that Yildiz is not for sale this summer.<\/p>\n

Yildiz, who can cover multiple attacking positions, looks a real star in the making with his incredible technique and vision. <\/p>\n\nAppearances<\/td>\nGoals<\/td>\nAssists<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n52<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Kenan Yildiz for Juventus across all competitions in the 2024\/25 season<\/p>\n

Perhaps the good news for Chelsea supporters is that RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, 22, is strongly linked with an imminent transfer to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are confident of signing \u00a360m-rated Simons<\/a> as they look to add him to their creative options in the squad.<\/p>\n

\"KenanPhoto by Jonathan Moscrop\/Getty ImagesWhat Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola said about Kenan Yildiz<\/p>\n

In terms of Chelsea\u2019s greatest ever technicians and creators, Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard sit right at the top of the tree. Therefore, it\u2019s interesting to hear that Zola actually compared Blues target Yildiz to himself a few months ago.<\/p>\n

Speaking back in April 2025, Zola told TuttoMercatoWeb<\/a>: \u201cYildiz of Juventus is a player with similar qualities to mine, but he\u2019s not the only one.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the age of 20, Yildiz ticks a lot of boxes as a Chelsea target with massive potential, but the Blues will have to watch his development from a distance for now.<\/p>\n