Chelsea is considering an approach resign Former Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has reportedly been seen thriving since leaving Stamford Bridge in 2021.
Guehi joined Palace for £18m after spending 18 months on loan at Swansea City. He has developed into one of the Premier League’s best central defenders and played a starring role for England at Euro 2024.
Chelsea’s desire to strengthen their defense this month appears to be due to the recent injury setback of Wesley Fofana, who has played just 32 times since his £75million transfer in 2022.
The Daily Mail writes that Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is a “big fan” of Guehi, with Palace aware there is interest from the 24-year-old’s former club. Ideally, the south London club would like to keep Guehi and persuade him to sign a new contract beyond the end of his current contract in 2026.
Palace demanded £70m for Guehi last summer when multiple offers from Newcastle United were rejected. However, it remains to be seen whether they can demand that much again as he would be entering the final year of his contract next season.
Chelsea are said to be offering Trevoh Chalobah, who is currently on loan at Selhurst Park, as part of a planned move, although Palace are said to prefer a cash sale.
There are further complications as Chelsea have a sell-out clause with Guehi, and it’s not entirely known how that would actually work if Chelsea were the buying club. It is also thought that, with his potential wage demands of £170,000 a week, he may not fit into Chelsea’s salary structure, which has changed significantly over the last few seasons.
There is already a possibility that Chalobah will be recalled from his loan deal due to Chelsea’s desire for a centre-back. The 25-year-old made 80 appearances in two-and-a-half seasons as a first-team player, but it would be a major turnaround for the club after being harshly banned last summer.