Chelsea have reportedly thrown their name into the mix of clubs eyeing up a deal for Crystal Palace stalwart Marc Guehi, as per Ben Jacobs speaking to CaughtOffside.
The 23-year-old has already been on the radar of the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal for some time, as the three Premier League giants look to bolster their backline with the addition of the young, but proven, centre-half.
A product of Cobham Academy, it remains to be seen whether Guehi would favour a return to the Blues over one of their rivals. He made the switch to Selhurst Park in 2021 on a five-year deal worth £18 million, with Chelsea including future sell-on incentives, as well as the opportunity to match any bids for the player, in the terms.
Jacobs weighed in on the matter, saying: “That’s why I would keep an eye on Chelsea entering the race for a player like Marc Guehi, who they sold to Crystal Palace in 2021.
“Plenty of clubs are looking. There’s nothing advanced at Chelsea’s end yet, and there may be a bit of a difference of opinion between the profile in this position that Pochettino wants (for the ‘now’) and the recruitment team are trying for (depth, or for the ‘future’).
“I would imagine during December there will be some healthy internal debate.”
Reds to kickstart centre-back pursuit
United in particular are one side eyeing a defensive revamp following their debilitating injury crisis this term; Lisandro Martinez and Jonny Evans are currently sidelined and Raphael Varane faces an uncertain future beyond this season. Victor Lindelof is likely to sign a contract extension but will be well aware that he is not Erik ten Hag’s first choice in the position, while a resurgent Harry Maguire has cemented his place in the starting 11 as of late.
After making his England debut in March 2022, Guehi has gone on to earn nine caps under Gareth Southgate and is in line to receive a call-up for Euro 2024 next summer. Should he oversee a successful tournament with his nation, Palace’s price tag will certainly increase.
Palace are going to offer him a contract extension even though his current one does not expire until 2026 and he is happy at the club.
They are not looking to sell their best players and have not given any likely valuation if he was for sale.