Chelsea are aiming to sign Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi for a cut-price fee after competing for more silverware in the Club World Cup and succeeding in luring another striker to Stamford Bridge when the transfer window reopens for business, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Although the Blues have already landed Liam Delap since winning the UEFA Conference League, thanks to triggering the £30million release clause written into his Ipswich Town contract, head coach Enzo Maresca is determined to secure additional firepower ahead of his second season at the helm.
There have been some big-name omissions from Chelsea's Club World Cup squad - with Raheem Sterling, Axel Disasi and Djordje Petrovic among those not to have boarded the flight to the United States - and the west Londoners are eager to upgrade their options in the coming months.
Blues Seeking Cut-Price Agreement for Guehi
West Londoners want to use contract situation to their advantage
Marc Guehi in action for Crystal Palace
Chelsea are eyeing a good value deal for Guehi this summer, according to GMS sources, with members of the recruitment department aiming to use his contract situation to their advantage after setting their sights on luring him back to Stamford Bridge from Premier League counterparts Crystal Palace.
Although the England international is preparing to enter the final 12 months of his £50,000-per-week deal at Selhurst Park, resulting in the Blues sniffing a golden opportunity to pounce, the Eagles have still been desperate to hold out for a lucrative fee as he has remained at the forefront of their plans.
GMS sources have been informed that Chelsea are huge admirers of Guehi, who enjoyed a productive 2024/25 campaign and ended it with silverware thanks to winning the FA Cup, but they are not prepared to pay over the odds after also refusing to meet the lofty demands for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan and Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens.
Marc Guehi's statistics for Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace rejected a bid worth £70million when Tottenham Hotspur came calling for the central defender's signature during the winter transfer window and the Blues are hopeful of being able to do business for a less lucrative fee due to there being the threat of him becoming a free agent at the end of next season.
Chelsea have also been showing interest in Jarrad Branthwaite and Tomas Araujo, of Everton and Benfica respectively, but GMS sources have learned that there is an internal feeling that they will be more difficult than Guehi to recruit due to their employers not wanting to cash in or holding out for a release clause to be paid in full.
Maresca to Resist Swoop for Guehi Until July
Club World Cup and pursuit of another striker being prioritised
Marc Guehi celebrating after a Crystal Palace win
GMS sources have been told that Chelsea are currently prioritising their push for Club World Cup glory and acquiring another frontman capable of providing Delap and Nicolas Jackson with competition, meaning they are not poised to rush into negotiations for Guehi or another backline option until July.
The 24-year-old has been described as a 'superstar' by Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish and, having seen him come through the Stamford Bridge ranks before being given the opportunity to move across London for more extensive game time, there is a serious possibility that he could return to familiar surroundings ahead of next term.
Chelsea are confident that there is little chance of Guehi embarking on a fresh challenge early in the summer transfer window, GMS sources understand, resulting in them being adamant they have time to assess alternative options even though he is expected to leave Selhurst Park to reach his career goals.
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GMS sources recently revealed that Maresca is in danger of missing out on landing Nico Williams, thanks to Athletic Bilbao attempting to tie him down to a new contract, but the Italian tactician is still determined to secure reinforcements as he prepares for a season which will include Champions League action.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 13/06/2025
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