"Everybody needs an X-factor to win a Premier League title" – Paul Merson makes bold claim on Chelsea as he delivers title verdict

Arsenal great Paul Merson has suggested that Cole Palmer could prove to be the difference-maker for Chelsea in the ongoing Premier League title race.

Earlier this Sunday (December 8), Palmer netted two penalties in the second half of the Blues' 4-3 Premier League victory at Tottenham Hotspur. He completed 33 of his 42 passes and four of his five dribbles, created four chances, registered four shots, and won eight of his 10 overall duels against Spurs.

After the end of the encounter at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Merson heaped praise on the Chelsea attacking midfielder. He told Sky Sports (h/t football.london):

"He's phenomenal. No one really knew much about him when he came from Manchester City, so it was a free hit for him. But in the last seven months, he's now the big boy. The name of the game for opposition is to stop Cole Palmer."

Merson, who helped Arsenal lift two league titles, concluded:

"Teams are trying to stop him and they can't do it. That shows you how good he is. He's too intelligent. He's always got space. Everybody needs an X-factor to win a Premier League title and Chelsea have it with him."

Palmer, 22, has proved to be a transformational arrival for Chelsea since leaving Manchester City in a potential £42.5 million move in the summer of 2023. He helped his club finish sixth in the Premier League standings last season.

Maintaining his world-class form into the 2024-25 campaign, Palmer has guided the Blues to just four points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool. The west London outfit are currently second with 31 points from 15 matches.

Real Madrid eyeing Chelsea star Cole Palmer

According to Spanish news outlet Fichajes.net, Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Cole Palmer with the intention of signing him in the future. Los Blancos president Florentino Perez is of the opinion that the Manchester City academy graduate could prove to be a long-term solution for the La Liga giants.

However, Palmer's potential price tag is likely to be a huge obstacle for Real Madrid. Chelsea are also unwilling to hold talks for their player's potential transfer as the Englishman's current contract will expire in June 2033.

Palmer, who is adept at operating in the number 10 role and on the right flank, has made 62 appearances across competitions for the Blues so far. He has scored 36 goals and provided 21 assists for the Stamford Bridge outfit.