Cole Palmer is becoming increasingly frustrated at Chelsea and would be willing to consider a summer move to Manchester United, according to reports. The former Manchester City star has been tentatively linked with the Red Devils since the start of the 2025/26 season. This season, he has scored nine Premier League goals in 20 appearances for Chelsea, having missed a large chunk of the campaign through injury.

It was reported earlier this year that Palmer was growing tired of life in London and wanted to return to his native Manchester. Now, according to The Sun, the 23-year-old is ‘primed to leave’ Stamford Bridge this summer with United among several clubs keeping tabs on his situation. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also believed to be keen on securing Palmer’s signature.

Palmer is said to be frustrated with a change in Chelsea‘s tactics under Liam Rosenior, who was appointed to replace Enzo Maresca back in January.

It’s claimed that he feels the current system has been restricting his influence on proceedings by denying him space on the pitch.

Palmer also misses playing with Nicolas Jackson, who joined Bayern Munich in the summer after falling out of favour with Maresca.

Jackson’s pace, movement and skill complemented the playing style of Palmer, who bagged 18 goals and 14 assists last season.

The report adds that Chelsea value their man at approximately £150million, which is the price United would have to pay to sign him this summer.

The west Londoners are currently sixth in the Premier League and missing out on Champions League qualification would further dent their hopes of convincing Palmer to stay.

Although he is thought to be frustrated, he isn’t expected to down tools as the Blues chase a top-five finish between now and the end of the season.

Chelsea view Palmer as ‘untouchable’ and he remains tied down until 2033, meaning they won’t be under any financial pressure to sell.

However, keeping an unhappy player in the dressing room is rarely a smart move and it remains to be seen how the situation will develop over the coming months.

Palmer would reportedly be open to joining United, but the Red Devils are said to be prioritising their midfield and left side when it comes to summer recruitment.

The club’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, was head of City’s academy when Palmer was breaking through at the Etihad Stadium.

Wilcox will play a major role in overseeing United’s transfer business in the summer alongside chief executive Omar Berrada, who also previously worked at City.

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