Chelsea confirm arrival of Cole Palmer from Manchester City

Chelsea have announced that they have completed the signing of English attacker Cole Palmer from Manchester City on a seven-year contract, with the option of an additional 12 months.

The 21-year-old confirmed on Friday morning that he was leaving Man City for pastures new, thanking his boyhood club for their support over the years.

Chelsea have now announced his arrival on a long-term deal, and Palmer could potentially be in the squad for Saturday's Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge.

"I'm excited to get started and it feels great to sign. I've joined Chelsea because the project here sounds good and because of the platform I will have to try to showcase my talents," Palmer told the club's official website.

"It is a young and hungry squad and, hopefully, we can do something special here."

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Meanwhile, Chelsea's co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: "Cole arrives with experience of winning the Premier League and Champions League and adds further quality and versatility to our attacking unit.

"He has showcased his talent and potential in the most challenging environments and delivered on the international stage for England this summer at the European Under-21 Championships.

"He is undoubtedly ready for this next step and we are delighted it will be with Chelsea."

Palmer represented Man City's first team on 41 occasions in all competitions, scoring six goals and registering two assists in the process.

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The versatile forward has already managed two goals in his three appearances for the Citizens this season, registering against Arsenal in the Community Shield and Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup.

Palmer featured off the bench in Man City's first match of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign against Burnley at Turf Moor on August 11.

However, the club's academy product has been an unused substitute in their last two league fixtures against Newcastle United and Sheffield United.

West Ham United were linked with Palmer earlier this month, but it is believed that the Hammers were only looking to take him on loan, which was quickly rejected by Pep Guardiola's side.

Chelsea are believed to have paid a fee in the region of £40m plus a potential £2.5m in add-ons, which has taken the spending at the club under owner Todd Boehly past £1bn.