Chelsea have been told they made a major upgrade on Kai Havertz by signing Cole Palmer from Premier League rivals Manchester City. Havertz was sent to Arsenal in a mega £65million deal, while Palmer was stolen from champions City for £45m.
Palmer has effectively replaced Havertz at Stamford Bridge. The pair are a similar profile of player, known for their ball-carrying, passing and left-footed tendencies.
Chelsea’s new signing has impressed in recent weeks and scored his first goal in the 4-1 rout against Burnley. Palmer stroked home a penalty after Raheem Sterling was fouled in the box.
And former Chelsea star Jason Cundy believes the England U21 forward is a major upgrade on Havertz, who has come under scrutiny for his start to life at Arsenal. The German has scored just once and has been in and out of Mikel Arteta’s team.
Asked on talkSPORT if he believes Palmer is an upgrade on Havertz, Cundy emphatically responded: “Completely! When you look at what Cole Palmer is bringing, he’s turning into the player we hoped Havertz would be.
“He’s playing in a slightly different position, but he’s the player we hoped Havertz would turn into. At the moment he looks a class act.”
Mauricio Pochettino has been pleased with Palmer’s performances since his transfer, which was completed just days before the transfer window slammed shut. The 21-year-old departed City having struggled for regular game time, but will seemingly get plenty more opportunities at Chelsea.
“He is a very talented player and he has the quality and he surprised me when I arrived because. It was the day before the transfer window closed,” Pochettino said.
“The way he reads the situations and what the team needs in every situation, he can be the player who can link with his team-mates. He is still very very young but with great personality and he has the talent and the quality which we saw today.”
Palmer’s inclusion in Chelsea’s team has coincided with an upturn in form for the West Londoners. Three consecutive victories across all competitions, including successive Premier League triumphs, have given Pochettino’s side some momentum.
The Blues will embark on a tough set of fixtures after the international break. Arsenal are welcomed to Stamford Bridge on October 21 before a run of four matches that includes games against Tottenham, Man City and Newcastle.
