The year has only just started, and it's already all change at Chelsea.
New Year's Day saw the news of Enzo Maresca's departure break, and then within a week, Liam Rosenior was announced as his permanent replacement.
The former Strasbourg boss has quite the job on his hands for the rest of the season, as while the squad is hugely talented, the side is currently three points off fourth in the Premier League.
Liam Rosenior record at Strasbourg (timeless)
Fortunately, the transfer window is now open, and if BlueCo act quickly, they could land Rosenior someone who'd be Chelsea's best signing since Moises Caicedo.
Chelsea should move for Caicedo-level signing
While Chelsea do have a squad full of talented players, including Reece James, Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernández and Caicedo, there are still some areas that need serious work.
For example, even though the likes of Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho could come good, some fans would argue they could do with upgrading at some point, as could the two striker signings the club made in the summer.
However, another area of the squad that perhaps needs the most immediate attention is the defence, specifically at centre-back.
Chelsea FC
Therefore, it would make sense for the Blues to target someone who could help come in and make that area of the pitch far stronger.
There are likely several defenders Chelsea are currently looking at from across the footballing world, but if BlueCo really want to give Rosenior the best chance of succeeding this season and beyond, they should go all out for Marc Guehi.
The West Londoners have been linked with the Englishman plenty of times before, like in the summer last year.
However, there are two potential hurdles to any deal: Liverpool and Manchester City's reported interest, and the fact that Crystal Palace would demand a hefty fee to sell him this month.
marc-guehi-crystal-palace
According to reports from earlier this month, the Eagles could demand as much as, if not more than £35m but if they wait until the summer and no one else acquires his signature, he will be available on a free transfer.
Why Guehi could be Chelsea's best signing since Caicedo
There are two primary reasons why Guehi could end up being Chelsea's best signing since Caicedo, and the first, as mentioned above, is down to the team's current weakness at the back.
Tosin-Adarabioyo-Chelsea
For example, as things stand, the Blues have conceded 22 goals in the league alone, and while that isn't terrible, it's eight more than the league leaders, four more than Manchester City and even three more than Sunderland.
So, if Rosenior could come in and help sure up the back, there is every chance that the Blues could find themselves rapidly closing in on Pep Guardiola's juggernaut once more.
Therefore, the player who helps make that become a reality would surely be one of the club's best signings in a very long time.
Now, stepping back from the team's defensive record this season, the other reason Guehi could be a Caicedo-type signing is the simple fact that he is an immensely talented player.
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi
On top of being vastly experienced in the Premier League and being a vital player for England, he played a crucial role in Palace winning their first significant honour in their history last season.
Moreover, his underlying numbers prove that on top of being rock solid at the back, he's no slouch with the ball at his feet.
Guehi's Scout Report
Statistics
npxG + xAG
Goal-Creating Actions
Goals + Assists
Switches
Penalty Kicks Won
Progressive Carries
Progressive Passes
Shot-Creating Actions
Assists
Passes into Penalty Area
Ball Recoveries
Key Passes
Passes into Final Third
All Stats via FBref
According to FBref, the 6 foot "monster," as dubbed by journalist Bobby Manzi, ranks in the top 4% of centre-backs in the Premier League for non-penalty expected goals plus assists, the top 6% for switches, the top 7% for progressive carries and passes, the top 10% for ball recoveries and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, while it would be a difficult deal to get over the line, Chelsea should do all they can to sign Guehi, as he could be their best purchase since Caicedo.
Pedro Neto Related
Chelsea line up British record move to sign £130m Neto upgrade for Rosenior
The incredible international would be the perfect signing for Rosenior and send Neto packing.