Chelsea Reject €170m Bid from Man City for Cole Palmer, Demand World-Record £250m

 Chelsea have firmly rejected a €170 million (£144m) offer from Manchester City for Cole Palmer, instead setting a jaw-dropping asking price of £250 million, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.

The 23-year-old England international has emerged as Chelsea's talisman since joining from City last season, and the West London club appear determined to keep him at Stamford Bridge for the long haul.

The counter-offer would make Palmer the most expensive player in football history, surpassing Neymar’s €222 million move to PSG.

Palmer has shown no signs of wanting to leave Chelsea. The attacking midfielder has become a fan favourite and one of the Premier League's brightest stars.

In just 52 appearances across all competitions last season, Palmer racked up 18 goals and 13 assists, helping Chelsea to lift both the UEFA Europa Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

His development into a key figure at club and international level is seen as central to Chelsea's future plans. With his contract running until 2030, the Blues hold all the cards, and have sent a clear message to City and other suitors: Cole Palmer is not for sale.

Whether Manchester City will return with a higher bid remains to be seen, but Chelsea’s stance suggests it would take a world-record fee to even start the conversation.