Joe Cole has urged Cole Palmer to stay at Chelsea for the long term and become the face of the new era at Stamford Bridge.
Palmer has been superb following his move from Manchester City last summer, and is currently top of the scoring charts with former team-mate Erling Haaland on 20 Premier League goals.
Since arriving in west London the 21-year-old hasn’t looked back and has become Chelsea’s key man, with his form earning him his first two England caps, and a huge chance of making Gareth Southgate’s squad for the Euros this summer.
Ahead of tonight’s game with Arsenal former Blue Cole was full of praise for the Chelsea forward and urged him to stay at the club for the long term.
“I think you’ve got to credit him for taking the move”, Cole told reporters in quotes picked up by Football London.
“Ultimately, we have to say it was a step down from where he was the treble-winners, of course. And he’s been brilliant. He lit the place up.
“He’s been extraordinary, and I think he could have played himself into the England team. I think he’s got the mindset for it.
“I think he’s got the quality. And I think if I was him, I’d want to be the face of the rebirth of Chelsea Football Club as a global team.”
Cole was asked if he would advise the England international to stay at Chelsea for the long term, to which he replied:
“Yeah, 100%. Because it’s not like Chelsea are not ever going to get back to the top, they will be.
“Even if they make as many mistakes as they have been in the last three years, you’re still going to get some wins. Cole Palmer is looking like a leader in the team as well? So just a proper player.”
Palmer is a doubt for the game against the Gunners with illness, and if he doesn’t recover in time it will be a huge blow for the Blues.
Ben Chilwell and Malo Gusto are also missing through injury so Mauricio Pochettino will be forced into making a few changes to his team.
