Chelsea are reportedly exploring the exciting possibility of signing another member of Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad, with Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios being a top target.
Valued at around £50 million, Palacios could be the latest Argentine talent to join Stamford Bridge, potentially reuniting with his national teammate Enzo Fernandez, who has already established himself as a key player for the Blues.
Despite having a strong midfield core, Chelsea seems keen on adding further depth and quality to the team. Enzo Fernandez, alongside summer signings Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, has bolstered Chelsea’s midfield options this season.
They are also backed up by emerging talent like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Renato Veiga, giving Chelsea a dynamic range of choices in the middle of the park.
Dewsbury-Hall, in particular, is expected to feature in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup third-round clash against Barrow, providing him with a chance to impress and stake his claim for more playing time. However, it’s clear that the Chelsea hierarchy sees room for more reinforcements.
Palacios has reportedly caught the attention of not only Chelsea but also Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal, according to sources like *CaughtOffside*. Bayer Leverkusen, aware of the growing interest, have set a significant price tag of €60 million (£49.9 million) on the 25-year-old midfielder. This hefty valuation suggests that any club pursuing Palacios will have to make a serious financial commitment to secure his services.
If Chelsea does manage to bring Palacios to West London, it would represent a major statement of intent. Not only would Chelsea be adding another World Cup winner to their squad, but Palacios’ skill set would offer something unique.
Alongside Fernandez and Caicedo, he would form a formidable South American trio in midfield, giving Chelsea an added edge in both technical ability and defensive solidity. Moises Caicedo, who has enjoyed a strong start to the season, particularly in the clash against West Ham United, has already proven to be an invaluable addition.
Head coach Enzo Maresca has been impressed with Caicedo’s adaptability and tenacity in midfield, and the Ecuadorian’s chemistry with Fernandez has further solidified Chelsea’s engine room. The potential arrival of Palacios could take Chelsea’s midfield to another level.
Known for his ability on the ball and his defensive work rate, Palacios ranks in the 92nd percentile for progressive passes and the 93rd percentile for tackles among midfielders over the past year, according to FBref statistics.
His combination of vision, passing accuracy, and defensive acumen would complement the existing talents of Fernandez and Caicedo, creating a well-rounded and highly competitive midfield unit.
While strengthening the midfield may not be Chelsea’s immediate priority—especially with Lavia recovering from injury—Palacios remains an attractive option should the club decide to fortify that area of the squad.
His versatility and experience, coupled with his World Cup-winning pedigree, make him an ideal candidate to elevate Chelsea’s midfield to new heights.
Whether or not Chelsea decides to make a formal move for the Argentine, it’s clear that the club is always on the lookout for top-tier talent to further enhance their squad.
