Chelsea eye Palmer repeat with Man City wonderkid pursuit

Cameron Smith

2 Jul 2024 10:00 BST
3 min read

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Manchester City youngster James McAtee as they continue to back Enzo Maresca in the transfer market.

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McAtee, 21, spent last season on loan at Sheffield United and he was one of the Blades’ standout performers as they succumbed to relegation back to the Championship.

The England U21 international is set to be included in Man City’s squad for their pre-season tour of the USA and he will be given the chance to impress Pep Guardiola before the 2024-25 campaign begins.

However, a number of clubs are reportedly monitoring his situation at the Etihad Stadium, with a permanent exit potentially possible this summer.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Chelsea are among the clubs to have expressed interest in McAtee and the Blues have already enquired about his availability.

Maresca worked with McAtee during his time at Man City and even attempted to sign him at Leicester City last summer. The Italian has already influenced Chelsea’s transfer business this summer - with the imminent arrival of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - and McAtee could be next.

The 21-year-old notched nine goal contributions in 33 games for Sheffield United last season as he caught the eye in an attacking midfield role.

An absolute wonder-goal from James McAtee. 🤯

United's No.28 gives us all three points against the Bees. pic.twitter.com/pBvGUwmaO5
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) December 9, 2023

The next Cole Palmer?

Chelsea famously signed Cole Palmer from Man City last summer, following the Englishman’s struggle for game time under Guardiola.

He immediately became the Blues’ best player and he bagged 40 goals and assists in all competitions during his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.

STATS

Cole Palmer

AM (RL), M (C)

Chelsea

Cole Palmer

AM (RL), M (C)

Chelsea

34

Games
22

Goals
11

Assists

In addition, Palmer also picked up the club’s Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards, while his form earned him an England call-up for Euro 2024.

Although Chelsea are interested in repeating this success with McAtee, Man City aren’t pushing to sell the youngster and will give him an opportunity to convince Guardiola of his quality.