Context? Manchester City and Arsenal are eyeing Crystal Palace’s 20-year-old midfield maestro, Adam Wharton, as a potential January signing. But let’s pump the brakes: Palace isn’t budging.
Former Manchester United scout Mick Brown, who knows the transfer game inside out, spilled the tea exclusively to Football Insider: “Palace are determined to keep hold of Wharton this January.”
Locked In? Now… Let’s Talk Wharton.
Wharton, a Selhurst Park fan favorite, has been on City’s radar as a possible long-term Rodri replacement. Arsenal is also in the mix, quietly tracking his progress. But here’s the twist: Wharton’s season has been derailed by a groin injury. After surgery in November, his return to the pitch is expected soon, but that injury break has made Palace even more desperate to hold onto him.
Picture This: Palace Won’t Let Go but… Why?
Crystal Palace is in survival mode. The team has only managed one Premier League win this season, and Wharton’s absence has been glaring. As manager Oliver Glasner put it, the young midfielder’s comeback is crucial:
“If everything goes as planned, he will have his first training session with us after the Ipswich game. The City game is too soon, but maybe then Brighton is possible for him.”
Simply put, Palace can’t afford to lose another key player mid-season. Wharton only joined the club last January, and they’re still reeling from the departures of Joachim Andersen and Jordan Ayew in the summer.
Mick Brown’s Take:
According to Brown, a January move for Wharton is off the table. He explained:
“There’s been interest from Arsenal and Man City, but I’d be shocked if he leaves. Palace aren’t letting him go mid-season. They feel they can’t keep letting key players leave the club.”
However, Brown hinted that things might change in the summer:
“If that interest comes back in the summer, and I expect it will, then maybe they’ll entertain offers.”
The Bigger Picture
With Wharton recovering and set to return soon, his performances post-injury will be the real test. Both City and Arsenal will be watching closely, biding their time until the summer transfer window opens.
For now, though, Crystal Palace fans can breathe easy. Wharton isn’t going anywhere—at least not until the season’s end. But Cityzens, keep your eyes peeled. This might just be a temporary pause in a transfer saga waiting to ignite.
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