Arsenal have stepped up their interest in signing Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton ahead of the January transfer window, according to a report.
The 20-year-old joined the Eagles from Blackburn Rovers in January last year for an initial £18m, which could rise to £22m, and penned a long-term deal until 2029.
Wharton quickly cemented his place in Palace's starting lineup during the second half of last season and he played a key role in helping the club both avoid a relegation battle and finish in the top 10.
The midfielder's impressive impact was rewarded with an England call-up for Euro 2024, although he did not make a single appearance at last summer's tournament, and he has since endured a difficult start to the new campaign at club level.
Indeed, Wharton has made eight Premier League appearances for a struggling Palace outfit that sits in the relegation zone, and he is currently on the sidelines after undergoing groin surgery, with a return targeted for next month.
![England Euro 2024 squad File photo dated 26-03-2024 of Adam Wharton[IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/26/adam-wharton.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "England Euro 2024 squad File photo dated 26-03-2024 of Adam Wharton[IMAGO]")
© Imago
Arsenal join race for Wharton?
Nevertheless, Wharton's rise over the last 12 months or so is understood to have caught the eye of a number of top Premier League clubs including Man City, who have allegedly identified the midfielder as a January target.
The injury-plagued Citizens are reportedly ready to make an approach for Wharton in the New Year, but they could face stern competition from at least one of their rivals.
According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal have 'held some talks' over the possibility of signing Wharton, who is also on the radar of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
The report adds that the Gunners are prepared to make a move for Wharton in January, with the talented youngster said to be open to leaving Selhurst Park.
Mikel Arteta's side are believed to be keen to negotiate a deal with Palace worth in the region of €55m (£45.8m), but the Eagles will demand a fee of at least €65m (£54.1m).
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Do Arsenal need to sign Man City, Liverpool-linked Wharton?
Arteta strengthened his Arsenal midfield last summer with the signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad for around £31m.
Merino is one of seven midfield options at Arteta's disposal along with captain Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, Jorginho, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, while Kai Havertz can also operate deeper.
However, both Partey and Jorginho are facing uncertain futures at the Emirates Stadium as they are due to see their contracts expire in the summer of 2025.
Wharton is not the only midfielder believed to be on Arsenal's radar, as they have also been credited with an interest in Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi and AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders, who have both been linked with Man City.
