Crystal Palace are considering a move for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah as they brace themselves for the potential departure of Marc Guehi, according to The Telegraph.
Newcastle United are in advanced talks to sign Guehi in a deal worth £65 million, and the Eagles are exploring defensive options should their star centre-back leave Selhurst Park this summer.
Chalobah is available for transfer from Stamford Bridge after being frozen out of the club by the hierarchy seeking to sell him for profit. Chelsea value him at £25 million and Palace are interested.
The 25-year-old Cobham academy star has been at the club since he was a boy and was looking forward to playing a crucial role under new boss Enzo Maresca before the club decided to force him out.
The England youth international is a solid centre-back. He was out for most of last season, but when he returned, he became a mainstay in the defence as Chelsea rallied to clinch sixth place.
Chalobah helped the Blues keep two clean sheets in 13 Premier League appearances, winning 53% of his duels. He would strengthen Palace’s backline.
However, the Sierra-Leone-born defender is only one of several targets alongside Wolfsburg star Maxence Lacroix.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner worked with Lacroix at Wolfsburg, but Chalobah knows the Premier League and brings leadership qualities that the Austrian coach will admire.
A move for Chalobah would keep the versatile defender in London, where he began his career.
Palace are also fighting to retain Eberechi Eze amid interest from Tottenham and Manchester City. The club is determined to keep both Eze and Guehi but face a battle to hold onto their prized assets.
Guehi enters the final year of his contract in 2025, while Eze has a £60 million release clause. Palace want a straight cash deal for Eze and are unlikely to accept any player-plus-cash offers.
The south London club’s transfer plans hinge on the outcome of the Newcastle-Guehi negotiations. A breakthrough is expected by the start of next week.
