“Struggled” – Former Chelsea player claims current Blues man is unhappy at the club

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has suggested that in-form attacker Cole Palmer is unsettled at Stamford Bridge and that persistent speculation linking the 21-year-old with Manchester United may already be affecting his state of mind.

Palmer, who only joined the Blues last summer, has recently returned from an injury lay-off but, according to Mikel, is yet to recapture the heights that made him one of the Premier League’s breakout stars. Speaking out on the matter, the ex-Nigeria international told sources:

“Palmer is not really happy. Yes, he struggled with injuries, but he’s back playing, yet he’s not quite back to his best. Yes, there are stories linking him to Manchester United. They’re not going away. There’s no smoke without fire, man.”

The chatter around Old Trafford’s interest refuses to die down, fuelled in part by Palmer’s Manchester roots. Mikel believes the combination of hometown ties and continuous gossip could be turning the youngster’s head, even if no formal approach has materialised.

Chelsea supporters have defended their No. 20, arguing that a dip in form is natural after a spell on the sidelines and that the player’s visible frustration is directed at himself rather than any unhappiness with the club. Mikel conceded that interpretation, admitting he may be “reading into all this a bit too much for now,” yet the narrative continues to swirl.

On the pitch, the issue of missed chances remains a pressing concern for the squad. After Sunday’s draw with Burnley, defender Trevoh Chalobah echoed recent criticism by highlighting the team’s profligacy in front of goal, a flaw that has cost valuable points in the race for European qualification.

Away from tactical matters, emotions ran high following Chelsea’s mid-week exit to Arsenal, with centre-back Wesley Fofana reduced to tears. Sources close to the player later clarified that the outpouring was triggered by personal issues rather than the defeat itself.

As the season enters its final stretch, Stamford Bridge insiders maintain that Palmer is committed to rediscovering his rhythm in blue and that no transfer request has been tabled. Nevertheless, Mikel’s comments have reignited debate about whether the England U-21 international will resist the pull of a potential return to Manchester should United firm up their rumoured admiration.

For now, all eyes will be on Palmer’s next performance; if he can silence the doubters with the type of displays that lit up the early campaign, talk of unrest may quickly evaporate. If results continue to stutter, however, the rumour mill shows little sign of slowing.