Exclusive: Chelsea plotting to blow rivals away in Marc Guehi race
Chelsea have turned their attention to signing Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, sources have told Football Insider.
The Premier League big guns are keen to recruit an A-list centre-back who can slot straight into their starting XI.
Chelsea‘s interest in Guehi comes amid a stampede for the England international ahead of his Palace contract expiring next June.
Liverpool, Man City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are among the clubs who have expressed an interest in the defender.
He is keen to stay at Palace for the rest of the season and then join a new club as a free agent in the summer window.
Guehi will be besieged with offers and able to negotiate a huge signing-on fee as well as a massive salary package.
Chelsea have the ambition and financial firepower to blow their rivals out of the water in the race for London-based Guehi, who came so close to joining Liverpool on deadline day in September.
Defensive issues persist for Chelsea
Problems in defence have persisted all season for Chelsea. Levi Colwill had provided a guiding presence last season, but he has been ruled out for much of the campaign after injuring his knee in training.
Issues came to the fore as Chelsea were beaten by Aston Villa on Saturday, with Benoit Badiashile’s mistake leading to Ollie Watkins’ first goal.
The French defender started in place of Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana, but none of the three have managed to provide the Blues with consistent security at the back this season.
Football Insider revealed on Monday that Leeds United are interested in a move for Axel Disasi.
The defender’s exit could pave the way for an incoming at Stamford Bridge, with Guehi appearing at the top of the list.
The 25-year-old joined the Chelsea academy aged six, joining Palace in 2021 for a fee reportedly worth up to £20million.
Marc Guehi’s decision to prove key
Guehi is set to have a pick of the clubs in Europe next summer. Liverpool’s interest in the summer was strong and advanced, but it remains to be seen if the defender can be tempted by alternative offers.
The Reds have endured a difficult season after winning the Premier League in May, and the uncertain future of Arne Slot may weigh heavily on any decision.
Guehi’s former teammate Michael Olise moved to Bayern Munich last summer, and could be keen to link back up with the defender.
But interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid will also be hard to ignore. Nevertheless, Guehi has made it very evident that he is an ultimate professional, and any decision he does make will be left until the season is over.