Incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has been urged to sign England midfielder Adam Wharton, a target for Manchester United, according to former Blues star Andy Townsend. Alonso, 44, will take charge at Stamford Bridge in July after signing a four-year contract, replacing Liam Rosenior who lasted just 106 days.
Chelsea's struggles and Alonso's task
Alonso inherits a Chelsea side that finished 10th in the Premier League last season, failing to qualify for the Champions League or win any silverware after their Club World Cup triumph. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder is expected to bring in new signings while offloading unwanted players from an underperforming squad.
Townsend's recommendation
Andy Townsend, who made over 100 appearances for Chelsea, has advised Alonso to target Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton. 'I could see a Moises Caicedo and Adam Wharton axis as the future of Chelsea,' Townsend told OLBG. 'If that's the way Xabi Alonso wants to do it, whether it's a 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-3, then I could absolutely see that working.'
Townsend compared Wharton to Manchester United legend Michael Carrick: 'He reminds me of Michael Carrick, the way Carrick used to play at Manchester United, he always looked like he had a bit of time on the ball. He wasn't the quickest, and you think people would be able to get him and close him down, but that rarely happened. I think Adam Wharton is similar.'
'Whenever I watch him play, he always seemingly has his next pass ready, as soon as the ball comes to him, he knows what he's doing,' Townsend added. 'Missing out on the England squad may act as a little bit of an incentive to feel that it's time to move on.'
Wharton's value and competition
Crystal Palace value Wharton at around £80 million after the club won the Conference League last season. Manchester United have placed him on their shortlist as they look to bolster Michael Carrick's midfield options. Chelsea have previously been linked and could revive interest if Enzo Fernandez leaves. Fernandez is keen to move and is a target for Real Madrid and Manchester City, with Chelsea demanding around £120 million.
Townsend believes Wharton's style suits Chelsea: 'I think his left foot alongside Caicedo could absolutely work at a place like Chelsea. He is a talented player. In this era of players who are physical specimens, it's nice to see someone who can do a bit of that but also has an elegance about his game. Adam Wharton has that.'
