'9-year jail sentence' - Cole Palmer mocked by Man Utd and Arsenal fans after signing two-year contract extension at Chelsea

According to The Athletic, the Blues have offered Palmer a two-year extension on his current contract, which was set to run until 2031, to reward his exceptional performances in his debut season at Stamford Bridge. The unusual length of the deal has sparked a social media war as rival fans have ridiculed the move, while the Chelsea loyalists have stood firmly behind their club.

Manchester United fan @EriksButcher wrote on X: "9-year jail sentence."

Meanwhile, an Arsenal fan, @SemperFiArsenal, added: "He will join Arsenal in a couple of years anyways. Chelsea’s best players always do, like Havertz."

Another United fan, @utdrobbo, wrote: "Wonder how many performance-based escape clauses he's got in there."

@clinicalkai dismissed Palmer and wrote: "One season wonder."

However, @WHISKYP3, stood his ground and gave it back to @EriksButcher: "If you have that type of jail sentence in your life you’ll thank your stars 🌟."

Palmer's impact on Chelsea during his first season was nothing short of remarkable. The forward scored 25 goals and provided 15 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. Such a prolific output for a player in his first season led the Blues to secure his future with such a long-term contract.

Palmer's talent has not only been recognised at club level but also on the international stage. Although he was an unused substitute in England’s first two matches at the Euro 2024, he featured in all five of England's next fixtures, helping the team reach the final. He even scored the equaliser in a closely contested 2-1 defeat to Spain in the title decider.

Chelsea paid an initial £40 million for the young forward to Manchester City, with an additional £2.5 million due in potential add-ons. Palmer's arrival at Stamford Bridge was part of Chelsea's broader strategy of investing in young talent, with the club aiming to build a squad capable of challenging for top honours in the years to come.

Palmer will look to start the new campaign on a resounding note action against his boyhood club, City, in Chelsea's Premier League opener on August 18 at Stamford Bridge.