The future of Cole Palmer and Chelsea's other stars has been clouded in doubt if the club fail to qualify for the Champions League next season.

On a night when Enzo Maresca accused his players of lacking desire, Palmer’s outward show of emotion may be no bad thing. “It’s a bit like with the fans,” Maresca explained. “When you don’t win the game it’s normal that they’re not happy.”

Chelsea have been warned that their “biggest problem” at the moment concerns Cole Palmer after a recent dip in form. The England midfielder has 14 goals and six assists this season, but that tally has not been added to in any of his last five matches in all competitions.

Cole Palmer doesn’t have a Champions League clause in his current Chelsea contract, despite speculative reports to the contrary.

Cole Palmer has been told three clubs he could join amid Chelsea ’s worrying slump. Chelsea were tipped to challenge for the Premier League title earlier in the season as they emerged as Liverpool ’s biggest rival at the top of the table.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has suggested that Cole Palmer’s team-mates need to step up and help the struggling England international. Palmer has suffered the biggest dip in form of his Blues career. The 22-year-old has not scored in his last five appearances and has only three goals in 2025. His last assist came against Aston Villa on December 1.

Joe Cole has advised Kobbie Mainoo to stay at Manchester United amid interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea. Old Trafford academy graduate Mainoo has made 60 appearances for United over the past two seasons, emerging as a key player for former manager Erik ten Hag and current boss Ruben Amorim.

Chelsea may find it difficult to keep hold of Cole Palmer if they fail to qualify for the Champions League this season, says former Watford striker Troy Deeney. The Blues enjoyed a positive start to season under Enzo Maresca and had even been tipped to challenge for the Premier League title.