“I begged him to come to Chelsea and enjoy top-quality football, but he still chose to join Arsenal – ‘Trophyless FC.’ It hurts because he’s my best friend during international duty,” says Cole Palmer, expressing disappointment as another England international is expected to sign with Arsenal this summer.

Chelsea star Cole Palmer has publicly shared his disappointment over a close friend’s decision to join Arsenal, a move he considers both a personal letdown and a professional mistake. While Palmer didn’t mention the player’s name, his words made it clear how hurt and frustrated he felt about the transfer, calling it a wasted opportunity.

Speaking emotionally, Palmer revealed that he had urged his best friend — also an England international — to choose Chelsea instead.

He believed joining the Blues would have given his friend a chance to enjoy attractive football and be part of a winning culture. Palmer made it no secret that he views Arsenal, whom he mockingly referred to as “Trophyless FC,” as a club lacking the silverware to back up their ambitions, despite the money they’ve spent in recent seasons.

Palmer himself has been enjoying an outstanding season since moving to Stamford Bridge from Manchester City, registering an impressive 27 goals and 15 assists.

His impact has been a key factor in Chelsea’s revival and push for trophies. This success only strengthens his belief that Chelsea is a club on the rise, offering a better environment for any ambitious player looking to build a lasting legacy.

The identity of the England player switching to Arsenal hasn’t been officially confirmed, but multiple reports strongly suggest that Arsenal is indeed the club Palmer criticized. His comments provide a rare glimpse into the personal side of football transfers — the friendships, loyalties, and rivalries that often go unnoticed by fans.

Palmer’s reaction highlights how transfer choices aren’t just about career moves, but can also affect personal relationships between players.

In his statement, Palmer implied that his friend’s decision wasn’t just professionally risky but also felt like a betrayal of their bond. He urged young players to carefully weigh their options, ensuring their ambition aligns with the opportunity for actual success, rather than sentiment or emotion.

The football community now waits for official confirmation of the player’s move to Arsenal. Whoever it turns out to be, Palmer’s strong words have already stirred discussion, with fans debating whether Arsenal truly deserves the “Trophyless FC” tag and if Palmer’s comments reflect a broader feeling within football circles about the North London club’s recent record.