Paul Merson insisted Chelsea 'don't know what they are doing' after handing Cole Palmer a contract extension that ties him to the club for the next nine years.

The England star has signed a two-year extension at Stamford Bridge as the club seek to reward him for a breakthrough debut campaign following his transfer from Man City last year.

Palmer was the rare bright spark in an otherwise disastrous campaign for Chelsea during Mauricio Pochettino's solo season in charge, scoring 25 goals in 45 games and pushing Erling Haaland close in the Golden Boot race.

His efforts were rewarded with a spot in England's Euro 2024 squad that culminated with him scoring the equaliser in the final against Spain, despite playing a bit-part role at the competition.

Chelsea made the decision to double-down on their investment in one of England's brightest young talents by extending the commitment that will see his contract now run until the age of 31.

Paul Merson insisted Chelsea 'don't know what they are doing' after handing Cole Palmer a contract extension

His extension continues the unusual theme instilled by co-owner Todd Boehly of offering huge multi-year contracts to new arrivals as Chelsea continue to splash huge sums on reinforcements.

Merson offered a damning verdicts of the club's transfer strategy and questioned the logic behind giving a young player a deal that will last for nearly a decade, telling Sky Sports: 'This can't be a better deal for the club.

'I don't know what they are doing, you're talking about nine years time, how can you tell what he's going to be in nine years time?

'He's had an unbelievable season and is a good player but this season, every team that plays, the first thing in the team talk is stop Cole Palmer playing. That's what he has got now the whole time,' he added.

'Now you're giving him a nine year contract. I like him, but they are giving these players, seven, eight, nine-year contracts. Some of them don't even play or get in the team.

'You can't tell me what these players will be like in six or seven years time. Last season he was unreal, this season he is marked. It is going to be hard, if he gets 15 goals next season I will be saying fair play to yourself,' said Merson.

Palmer is expected to be included in Enzo Maresca's first competitive match as new Chelsea manager when the Blues host reigning champions Man City on Sunday.