Chelsea plan move that will help keep Cole Palmer ‘for ten years’

Chelsea are planning to reward Cole Palmer with a pay rise that they hope will play a part in keeping him at the club for a decade.

Eyebrows were raised when Manchester City allowed the 22-year-old to depart last summer after he played such a prominent role in their pre-season campaign, scoring in the Community Shield and European Super Cup.

City’s loss has been Chelsea’s gain, however, with Palmer having flourished at Stamford Bridge during what was, at times, a chaotic campaign.

The versatile forward scored a staggering 25 goals and subsequently enhanced his reputation at Euro 2024 where he starred for England.

While Chelsea are yet to receive wind of rival interest in their prize asset, they are conscious of the needto look after a player who has quickly become the jewel in their crown.

According to the Telegraph, Palmer currently earns £80,000-a-week, and is not much more of a quarter of what Raheem Sterling, player who could yet be deemed surplus to requirements by new manager Enzo Maresca, is paid.

Chelsea are said to be conscious of the situation and will reflect Palmer’s seniority with a significant raise, rather than a new contract.

A source is quoted as saying: ‘Chelsea expect Cole to be at the club for the next 10 years. So of course they will look after him and make sure his wages reflect his performances.

‘There is no need to do that publicly or with grand announcements. The club will work with Cole and his representatives, rather than doing their business in public.’

Palmer, meanwhile, will be given additional time off following his exploits with England and will not return to training for a further three weeks.

Conor Gallagher, too, will miss the upcoming pre-season tour but will hope to have his own future resolved imminently.

Aston Villa, Tottenham and Atletico Madrid have all been credited with an interest in a player who Chelsea believe should command a fee in the region of £50m.