At a Glance:
- Arsenal are interested in signing one of European football’s biggest stars.
- The Arsenal target could end up being their version of Rayan Cherki.
- Mikel Arteta’s side could sell Martin Odegaard and Ethan Nwaneri to sign him.
Despite Arsenal being in pole position to win the Premier League title, one could argue that they have lacked a bona fide match-winner over the years.
While Bukayo Saka has been the Gunners’ primary difference-maker in attack over the years, injuries and indifferent form have led to the Englishman being ineffective for large stretches of the ongoing season.
Saka’s tally of nine goals and seven assists in all competitions is not reflective of the top-class winger he is renowned for being, with Martin Odegaard enduring a similarly difficult campaign as well.
| Bukayo Saka’s stats for Arsenal this season | |
| Starts | 32 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 7 |
Manchester City, on the other hand have a gem of a player in Cherki, who has excelled in England, particularly recently as he has been instrumental in his side’s past three wins against Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea.
The Frenchman’s previous outing at Stamford Bridge summed him as a player as he produced two splendid assists for Nico O’Reilly and Marc Guehi out of nowhere and led City to victory.
Arsenal register interest in signing Cole Palmer
It seems like Arsenal are ready to sign a game-changer in attack themselves, with journalist Simon Phillips revealing on Substack that Palmer is on their transfer shortlist this summer.
The 22-year-old, who has registered 10 goals and three assists in all competitions this season is considering leaving Chelsea, as per the report.
| Cole Palmer: 2025/2026 season | |
| Starts | 23 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 3 |
Phillips wrote: “Enzo Fernandez, Marc Cucurella, and Cole Palmer have all been seriously eyeing the exit door. However, the likes of Palmer are concerned that the club will price him out of any move away this summer.”
“On Palmer, another top source has told us yesterday that Arsenal are the latest club to have registered an interest in signing the England international. From a personal point of view, I can’t see him staying in London if he does leave Chelsea, because he has been quite homesick at times.”
“Although, he might not have too many choices on where he does go, if he really does want out of the club. Palmer has not been causing any issues, though, and has continued to work hard and stay committed.”
Furthermore, the journalist has claimed that Arsenal are considering offloading Ethan Nwaneri and Martin Odegaard, which would leave room for the club to sign an attacking midfielder in the summer.
“Arsenal are planning to sell Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Ethan Nwaneri, and Mikel Merino this summer, and they want a ‘superstar No.10’ to replace them. Palmer is on their list.”
Cole Palmer could be Arsenal’s Rayan Cherki
Much like Saka and Odegaard, Palmer has not had his best campaign either but since playing at senior level, the England international has shown that he is a man for the big occasions.
From scoring a last-gasp equaliser against Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup for Manchester City to bagging a stunning leveller against Spain in the European Championship final in 2024, the Chelsea midfielder has a track record of singlehandedly turning games on their head.
As brilliant as Arsenal’s squad is, they seemed to have lack a player like Palmer, who much like Cherki seems unfazed when all eyes are on him to deliver when silverware is on the line.
For Mikel Arteta to build a dynastic side at the Emirates Stadium, he should welcome players of Palmer’s ilk with open arms.
When breaking down the former Manchester City attacker as a player, it is easy to see why he would elevate this Gunners side because he is one of Europe’s finest creators and a true goalscorer.
| Cole Palmer’s stats for Chelsea in all competitions | |
| Appearances | 124 |
| Goals | 53 |
| Assists | 32 |
| Goal contributions | 85 |
After all, the Wythenshawe-born technician has registered a staggering 85 goal contributions (53 goals and 32 assists) in 124 appearances for Chelsea in total.
Players who have played for Arsenal and Chelsea
While it seems unfathomable for Chelsea to let Arsenal sign their best player in Palmer anytime soon, the two London clubs have a history of doing business with each other.
In total, 19 players have played for both clubs despite them being age-old rivals.
- Noni Madueke
- Kepa Arrizabalaga
- Willian
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
- Yossi Benayoun
- Cesc Fabregas
- Ashley Cole
- Nicolas Anelka
- David Rocastle
- Omari Hutchinson
- Lassana Diarra
- Jorginho
- David Luiz
- Raheem Sterling
- Petr Cech
- Emmanuel Petit
- William Gallas
- Olivier Giroud
- Kai Havertz
However, one could argue that if Palmer became an Arsenal player, his move could very well end up being considered the most surprising piece of business between the two clubs.
