Tottenham have received a surprise boost to land highly-regarded English talent.
Tottenham Hotspur will certainly feel their pursuit of Adam Wharton last year was the right choice, given the excellent campaign the Crystal Palace midfielder went on to produce.
Adam Wharton chipped in with a goal and eight assists in 53 appearances across all competitions, and he most notably played a key role in Crystal Palace winning the UEFA Europa Conference League. He assisted Jean-Philippe Mateta’s winning goal in the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano last month, as manager Oliver Glasner bid farewell to the Crystal Palace fans by winning another silverware.
Spurs have admired Adam Wharton for years, viewing him as the ideal deep-lying controller to elevate their midfield unit. The Englishman’s blend of composure, press resistance, elite technical ability and game-reading makes him one of the Premier League’s most valuable young midfielders, attracting interest from several clubs across Europe. However, Tottenham’s hopes have been strengthened with new developments surrounding the midfielder’s future at Selhurst Park.
Tottenham get boost in Adam Wharton chase
According to reputable journalist Alan Nixon on his Patreon, Crystal Palace have now slapped a £100m asking price on Wharton. The Eagles rate him very highly and want a fortune in return this summer.
While Liverpool and Chelsea had expressed an interest in the 22-year-old, both of them have been put off by Palace’s asking price. This might potentially open the door for Tottenham to chase the talented midfielder, who has a very high ceiling in the game. The Lilywhites’ midfield is clearly missing an elite ball-carrier and passer. The current crop of players struggled to progress the ball forward from central areas, making it easier for opponents to press high and force mistakes this past season.
De Zerbi has to guarantee Wharton a prominent role in his side and an arena to unlock his true potential. However, Palace have slapped £100m price tag on their star, but if the North Londoners are to make a statement and evolve as a team under De Zerbi, they must break the bank for him. The England international would represent a long-term investment and could form a solid midfield partnership with Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.
Wharton has the qualities to transform Tottenham’s midfield unit. If De Zerbi can put across an exciting project for long-term stability and development to his camp, the central midfielder may reassess Spurs as a destination in 2026.