According to Football.London, Chelsea has long been interested in Wharton. Alonso is looking to further strengthen the midfield, and this deal could depend on whether Enzo Fernandez leaves.

Wharton's contract with Crystal Palace runs until June 2029, and it is reported that the potential transfer fee for the English midfielder could be around £100 million.

It is currently unclear whether Chelsea will make an official bid for Wharton, or if Crystal Palace would let him go as the transfer window approaches its close. However, Alonso can offer Wharton a condition that many other clubs cannot – Chelsea's number 20 shirt is currently vacant.

Before the start of the new Premier League season, João Pedro gave up the number 20 shirt and took over number 9 from Liam Delap. Delap, who Chelsea signed from Ipswich for just £30 million last summer, switched to number 12, leaving the number 20 shirt vacant.

If Chelsea wants to add leverage to their negotiations to sign Wharton, they could offer the English midfielder the number 20 shirt he currently wears at Crystal Palace, a condition not all other clubs can provide. Wharton has worn the number 20 shirt since joining Crystal Palace from Blackburn in February 2024 for an initial transfer fee of £18 million.

Wharton has also made this number his own through his excellent performances, helping Crystal Palace win the FA Cup, Europa Conference League, and Community Shield. In recent years, Chelsea's number 20 shirt has also had a good "tradition," with João Pedro and Cole Palmer both wearing this number and having their best individual seasons at Chelsea. Now, this shirt awaits a new owner.

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