£250m or nothing - Chelsea reject Man City’s record-breaking bid for Cole Palmer

Chelsea have turned down a staggering £149 million bid from Manchester City for their star midfielder Cole Palmer, according to reports from Spain.

Just two years ago, Palmer was sold by City to Chelsea for a relatively modest £40 million, after struggling for minutes in Pep Guardiola’s star-studded attack.

Now, the reigning PFA Young Player of the Year, England international, and Club World Cup hero has become one of the brightest stars in world football, and Chelsea are in no mood to let him go.

Since joining Chelsea, the 22-year-old has netted 37 goals and provided 19 assists in 70 Premier League appearances. Palmer helped Chelsea win multiple trophies, including the UEFA Conference Cup and Club World Cup.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Chelsea have rejected a formal bid worth over €170 million (£149 million) from Manchester City, who are eager to bring Palmer back to the Etihad Stadium.

However, the Blues have raised the asking price to an eye-watering £250 million, a figure that would shatter Neymar’s world-record €222 million move to PSG in 2017.

Sources close to Chelsea say the valuation is not merely a scare tactic, but a declaration of intent. The club aims to prove that it is no longer a selling club, but a global powerhouse ready to challenge for top honours, and retain its crown jewels.