Chelsea have made Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi their “priority” for the summer transfer window, according to journalist Eduardo Burgos.
The Blues have been heavily linked with Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen. However, Burgos claims that Enzo Maresca’s side have already withdrawn from the race for the Spanish international, leaving Real Madrid, Liverpool and Bayern Munich as his main suitors.
Instead, it is believed that Guehi will be the main target for the London club as they look to strengthen their options in the middle of defence.
The 24-year-old, who was handed his 23rd cap by Thomas Tuchel when England played Latvia on Monday night, is expected to leave Palace at the end of the season, with his contract set to reach its final twelve months.
Guehi left Stamford Bridge for Selhurst Park 4 years ago
The defender is a product of Chelsea’s academy, but he was offloaded on a permanent basis to the Eagles for £18m in the summer of 2021.
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No buyback clause was included in the deal, and while Guehi is unlikely to cost that much due to his contract situation, his fee will still be higher than what the Blues originally sold him for.
Chelsea could sell up to 12 players this summer
As is the case with every transfer window, the club are likely to be busy with both incomings and outgoings. In addition to potential new arrivals like Guehi, a fair few could be let go in order to fund other signings.
Reports suggest that the permanent departures of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Carney Chukwuemeka, Raheem Sterling, Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix, Armando Broja and David Datro Fofana could all be sanctioned over the next few months.
Read our exclusive interview with Danny Murphy as he talks about the availability of a Chelsea transfer target.