Chelsea is reportedly considering signing Exequiel Palacios, the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder and member of Argentina’s World Cup-winning team, as a key target. Valued at around £50 million, Palacios could join fellow countryman Enzo Fernandez at Stamford Bridge, where Fernandez has become a crucial player.
Although Chelsea has a strong midfield with players like Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Romeo Lavia, they are looking to add more depth and quality. Emerging talents like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Renato Veiga also provide options, with Dewsbury-Hall expected to feature in the upcoming Carabao Cup match against Barrow to showcase his potential.
Palacios has attracted interest from Chelsea as well as rivals Liverpool and Arsenal, prompting Bayer Leverkusen to set a price tag of €60 million (£49.9 million) for the 25-year-old. This significant valuation indicates that any interested club must be prepared for a substantial investment.
Should Chelsea secure Palacios, it would be a notable addition, enhancing their midfield with another World Cup winner. His skills, combined with those of Fernandez and Caicedo, would create a formidable South American trio, adding both technical finesse and defensive strength. Caicedo has already made a strong impression this season, and his partnership with Fernandez has solidified Chelsea’s midfield.
Palacios is known for his ball control and defensive work rate, ranking in the 92nd percentile for progressive passes and 93rd for tackles among midfielders over the past year, according to FBref. His vision, passing accuracy, and defensive skills would enhance Chelsea’s midfield dynamics.
While strengthening the midfield may not be an immediate priority, especially with Lavia recovering from injury, Palacios remains a compelling option. His versatility and experience could elevate Chelsea’s midfield significantly. Regardless of whether they pursue him, Chelsea continues to seek top-tier talent to improve their squad.
