Chelsea have reached an agreement with Manchester City over a deal for the talented English youngster Cole Palmer.
The Athletic reports that both clubs have shaken hands on a deal worth around £45 million for the England under-21 international forward.
Palmer is expected to undergo a medical over the next 24 hours before his imminent exit from the Etihad Stadium is announced by both clubs.
Chelsea were eager to bolster their ranks in the attacking department at the behest of Mauricio Pochettino, who wanted a forward player with Premier League experience.
Numerous reports claimed Chelsea had several players on their radar before Palmer emerged as an ideal candidate who checks all the boxes for the Blues.
There were initial concerns that Man City would be reluctant to do business with a direct rival, but Palmer’s move is now expected to be finalised ahead of Friday’s deadline.
The Englishman becomes the latest player to join Chelsea in a Todd Boehly-led revolution, and his arrival at Stamford Bridge will see the club’s summer expenditure exceed £400m.
Palmer is set to become the second player to switch from Man City for Chelsea in recent years following the arrival of Raheem Sterling last summer.
The young forward is capable of featuring in multiple forward positions and is expected to challenge for places across the front line.
His arrival could also push the rejuvenated Sterling to the left flank while he competes with Noni Madueke for a starting berth at right wing.
Palmer is expected to be the final piece of the puzzle for Chelsea this summer, although there have been reports of the club plotting a move for a striker.
However, the Blues are willing to wait until January to sort out their striking problems, with a move for Brentford’s Ivan Toney on the cards.
They will now focus on outgoing deals for the rest of the summer transfer window.
Marc Cucurella, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Romelu Lukake are expected to finalise their departures from Stamford Bridge before the deadline.
