I tried everything I could to encourage him to join Aston Villa, but it appears that His mind is made up already and he has gone behind my back to join his childhood dream club’: Wmi Martinez has confirmed this. His international teammate has declined Aston Villa’s offer to join the Chelsea next transfer window and will receive £50 million for his services.

Chelsea is now exploring the possibility of bringing in another World Cup winner from Argentina to further strengthen their squad. The club, which already boasts Enzo Fernandez, is considering signing his Argentina teammate, a move that could bolster their midfield even more. Despite having a solid lineup in the center of the park, Chelsea seems interested in making another addition to ensure depth and competitiveness.

Currently, Chelsea’s midfield is well-stocked with talent, including Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Renato Veiga. Dewsbury-Hall, in particular, is expected to make an appearance in the upcoming Carabao Cup third-round match against Barrow. However, reports have surfaced that Chelsea has their eye on Exequiel Palacios, a key player for Bayer Leverkusen and a teammate of Fernandez in Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad.

The pursuit of Palacios has piqued the interest of other top Premier League clubs, with Liverpool and Arsenal reportedly in the mix as well. According to CaughtOffside, Leverkusen has set a price tag of €60 million (£50 million) for the talented midfielder, indicating that acquiring him will require a significant investment. If Chelsea succeeds in securing Palacios’ signature, it would add another South American talent to their already impressive roster, with Moises Caicedo having also joined the squad earlier in the season.

Caicedo, who has hit the ground running this season, has been especially impressive, with performances that have drawn praise from the coaching staff. His standout display against West Ham United, in particular, has caught the attention of Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who is thrilled with his contributions so far.

The question arises: what would Palacios bring to Chelsea? With Fernandez and Caicedo already in the mix, Palacios would add a layer of versatility and strength to an already powerful midfield. Known for his excellent ball-handling skills and defensive capabilities, Palacios excels in transitioning the ball from defense to attack. According to data from FBref, the 25-year-old ranks in the top 92nd percentile for progressive passes and the top 93rd percentile for tackles among midfielders over the past year.

While adding another midfielder may not be an immediate necessity for Chelsea unless Romeo Lavia’s injury problems continue, Palacios would undoubtedly be a valuable asset if the club chooses to further reinforce this part of their team. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively could help Chelsea remain competitive at the highest levels, especially in a season where depth and rotation could be key factors in achieving success across multiple competitions.