Chelsea are weighing up a sensational move to bring former academy graduate Marc Guehi back to Stamford Bridge from Crystal Palace, Mail Sport reports.
The Blues are scouring the transfer market to improve their depth at the heart of the defence in response to Wesley Fofana’s long-term injury.
Palace are reportedly aware of Chelsea’s interest in their ‘exceptional‘ defender and are ready to fight tooth and nail to keep him at Selhurst Park.
The England international has been a standout performer for Palace since joining the club back in 2021, and he remains central to their long-term plans.
However, his contract situation complicates things for Palace.
Guehi has just over 18 months remaining on his current deal, meaning the club might be forced to cash in if they can’t convince him to sign a new contract.
Unless they’re willing to risk losing him on a free transfer, Palace don’t exactly have a leg to stand on.
Guehi has long been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park. Newcastle United were hot on his heels last summer, but they saw multiple bids turned down by Palace, who weren’t willing to entertain the idea of losing their skipper.
They slapped a £70 million price tag on him last summer but may be forced to lower their expectations as the defender nears the end of his contract.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Guehi is complicated by several factors. The Blues retain a 17-20% sell-on clause from when they sold him to Palace in 2021, so navigating that terrain could be an issue for both clubs.
Guehi’s reported £170,000 a week salary demands could also be a stumbling block, considering Chelsea are no longer in the business of handing out lucrative contracts.
Recalling Trevoh Chalobah from his loan spell at Palace is another option under serious consideration.
The Blues have already recalled Argentine talent Aaron Anselmino from his loan spell at Boca Juniors.
If they decide not to dip into their coffers to sort out their defensive issues, they could repeat that trick with Chalobah this month.
