Manchester United have decided against pursuing a summer transfer for Chelsea and England star Cole Palmer, deeming the deal financially unfeasible. According to reports, United chiefs believe the potential £100 million fee and £250,000-a-week wages required are beyond the club's reach, especially with an attacking midfielder not being a priority position.
The club has already invested nearly £135 million in forwards Matheuś Cunha and Bryan Mbeubo this season and considers the area adequately covered. Instead, the focus for the INEOS-led recruitment team, including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and CEO Omar Berrada, is on securing a world-class defensive midfielder to replace the departing Casemiro.
Names like Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, and Carlos Baleba are on the shortlist, though their price tags remain a consideration. United are also prioritizing a new long-term contract for captain Bruno Fernandes.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has repeatedly dismissed any speculation about Palmer's departure, stating the player is "very happy" at Stamford Bridge and that the rumors are "so far from the truth." Palmer signed a nine-year contract with Chelsea in 2024.
United's potential failure to qualify for the Champions League further diminishes their ability to attract such high-profile targets, making a move for Palmer even more unrealistic.
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