5 highest paid players currently at Chelsea as Cole Palmer is set for payday

Cole Palmer is poised to receive a substantial salary increase at Chelsea.

The talented playmaker, who signed with the Blues last summer in a £42.5 million transfer from Manchester City, initially agreed to a seven-year contract worth £75,000 per week.

With that deal now appearing as a transfer steal, the Chelsea leadership is gearing up to acknowledge his remarkable debut season in Stamford Bridge by offering the 21-year-old a substantially enhanced contract and salary.

Per Daily Star, Palmer is likely to see his weekly earnings rise to around £150k next season, bringing him closer in line with certain underperforming, higher-paid teammates.

Sports Brief now examines the top-earning players currently on Chelsea's roster.

Highest paid players currently at Chelsea

5. Christopher Nkunku - £195,000

Christopher Nkunku was among Chelsea's acquisitions last summer, with the French international reportedly costing the Blues £52 million from RB Leipzig.

The club's quest for a prolific striker has been challenging, leading to the recruitment of Nkunku, who boasted an impressive record of 70 goals and 56 assists in 172 games for RB Leipzig.

However, the 25-year-old's career at Stamford Bridge is yet to take off. Sidelined by a knee injury during pre-season, he has yet to make a competitive appearance for his new club.

According to Spotrac, Nkunku earns £195,000 weekly, placing him among the highest earners at Chelsea.

4. Wesley Fofana - £200,000

Fofana joined Chelsea two seasons ago, arriving from Leicester City for a staggering fee believed to be around £70 million according to BBC reports.

Much anticipation surrounded the young centre-back, who had gained some Premier League experience with the Foxes.

However, Fofana's tenure at Stamford Bridge has been plagued by persistent injuries. The 22-year-old reportedly earns £200,000 per week at Chelsea. Fans are hopeful that he can overcome his injury woes and justify both his substantial transfer fee and salary.

3. Ben Chilwell - £200,000

The Englishman currently holds the second-longest tenure at Chelsea and serves as the team's vice-captain.

He made his way to Stamford Bridge from Leicester City in the summer of 2020 and has since become an indispensable player for the Blues.

The 26-year-old played a pivotal role in Chelsea's triumphs in the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup in 2021.

With a weekly salary matching that of Fofana at £200,000, Chilwell currently ranks joint-fourth among Chelsea's highest earners.

2. Reece James

It comes as no surprise to find Reece James among the top earners, given that the right-back is widely regarded as one of Chelsea's finest and most reliable players.

James assumed the role of club captain for the 2023-24 season following a significant departure of longstanding stars from Stamford Bridge during the summer.

The Cobham academy graduate solidified his commitment to Chelsea by signing a new six-year contract with the London club last season, resulting in a notable increase in his weekly earnings. According to Spotrac, the 23-year-old now earns £250,000 per week.

1. Raheem Sterling - £325,000

Among the current Chelsea squad, few players can match the high-level experience of Raheem Sterling.

The ex-Manchester City winger is one of the key players at Stamford Bridge.

Therefore, it's fitting that his earnings reflect his stature. As reported by Spotrac, he holds the title of highest earner at Stamford Bridge, commanding a weekly salary of £325,000.

This figure also positions Sterling as one of the Premier League's top earners.