Cole Palmer may become victim of Chelsea transfer policy as Maresca makes thoughts clear

Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer has been the Blues' star player since swapping the Etihad Stadium for Stamford Bridge two years ago. But the 23-year-old could become a victim of Chelsea's transfer policy, with the west London giants enjoying another productive summer in the transfer market.

Palmer has bagged 43 goals and 29 assists in 98 appearances for Chelsea and has been his side's main attacking threat for the last two seasons. But he hasn't scored a single Premier League goal from open play since January. And he has endured a frustrating start to the new season as was kept at bay during his side's 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on the opening weekend before being forced to withdraw from the matchday squad moments before the Blues thrashed West Ham 5-1 on Friday night.

Chelsea produced a magnificent performance at the London Stadium as they briefly climbed to the top of the table ahead of Saturday's matches.

After falling behind to an early strike from Lucas Paqueta, Chelsea steamrolled their opponents as Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez struck in the first half before Moises Caicedo and Trevoh Chalobah put the icing on the cake in the second period.

And it was Pedro who stole the show as the Brazil international excelled in the No. 10 role behind frontman Liam Delap. He even laid on two assists as he looked to unlock the West Ham defence at every opportunity.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca seemingly brought Pedro to the club to lead the line and finish off moves, with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku falling out of favour under the Italian.

But Maresca could decide to utilise Pedro in the position Palmer typically occupies, such was his dominance against the Hammers.

And the Chelsea manager may have fired a warning to Palmer as he made his thoughts clear on how Pedro could operate going forward.

"I think Joao with us can play the five positions in the front, as a winger wide, or inside in the middle of the pitch, or behind a striker. I think he can play in all the positions," Maresca said after the match.

"For sure, probably as a nine or behind the striker is his best position, but he can play in all the attacking positions for us.

"Joao probably, in more space in this moment, gives us more than Liam. Liam probably gives us a little bit more in terms of physicality and in terms of runs in behind. So, it depends a little bit on the game plan."