“ThatThat’s what they do” – Pat Nevin makes major claim about Chelsea and their £42.5m star

Chelsea would sanction the sale of Cole Palmer to Manchester United if a sufficiently lucrative bid arrived at Stamford Bridge, according to former Blues winger Pat Nevin.

Palmer, 23, has become a talismanic figure since arriving from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, registering 52 goals and 32 assists in 116 appearances across all competitions. Despite a persistent groin complaint that sidelined him for virtually the entire first half of the current campaign, the England international has still managed nine goals in 19 outings, including a scintillating hat-trick against Wolves earlier this month.

Speaking to The Daily Express, Nevin argued that the west London club’s reputation as a trading outfit makes any high-profile departure conceivable. “I don’t think it comes down to whether Chelsea would sell. They would,” he said. “Chelsea are a trading club. They bought Cole Palmer and they could sell him at a massive profit, and that’s what they do.”

The Scot acknowledged that supporters would be devastated to lose a player they have taken to their hearts, but insisted the final decision rests solely with Palmer. “The Chelsea fans would be gutted because they adore him, rightly so,” Nevin added. “It just comes down to one thing. It doesn’t come down to the clubs, it comes down to him. Does Cole Palmer fancy playing for Manchester United? That’s it. Nobody knows except Cole Palmer.”

Palmer’s recent frustration at being substituted during a fixture against Burnley fuelled speculation over his future, while intermittent fitness issues have raised questions about his long-term availability. Nevertheless, assistant coach Liam Rosenior has maintained that the attacker is content on Fulham Road.

With United reportedly monitoring developments, Nevin believes the finances would be straightforward should Old Trafford decision-makers firm up their interest. “Would Manchester United want him? They probably would. Would the money be difficult? No, they would probably sort that out,” he concluded.

Chelsea, who have historically shown a willingness to cash in on marquee names when valuations are met, now face a pivotal moment: keep their home-grown star or cash in on a potentially record-setting transfer windfall.