Chelsea are planning to prioritise making a move for Marc Guehi after deciding they stand a better chance of luring the Crystal Palace star to Stamford Bridge than alternative targets when the transfer window reopens for business in the summer, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Although the Blues sealed a £62.4million double deal for Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo last month, with the latter due to join from Sporting after enjoying a loan spell with Las Palmas, head coach Enzo Maresca wants to improve his options at the heart of the backline ahead of his second campaign at the helm.
Guehi came through Chelsea's ranks before sealing a permanent departure in July 2021, when he headed to Premier League rivals Crystal Palace in a switch worth £18million, but the west Londoners are determined to offer a route back to familiar surroundings when the opportunity arises in the coming months.
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Marc Guehi in action for Crystal Palace
Influential figures at Chelsea are adamant that they are likely to sign Guehi in the summer, according to GMS sources, as he still has an emotional attachment to his former employers and there is confidence that he would be tempted to make the switch from Crystal Palace if he is given the chance.
The Blues have been put on red alert as the central defender is preparing to enter the final 12 months of his contract, which allows him to pocket £50,000-per-week, and their Premier League counterparts have been unable to convince him to agree fresh terms as they aim to end speculation over his long-term future.
GMS sources have been informed that Chelsea are confident they will get the deal over the line for Guehi, who played a crucial role in Crystal Palace booking their place in the FA Cup semi-finals thanks to overcoming Fulham last weekend, and he is a particularly attractive option for Maresca as he can be included in the homegrown quota.
Marc Guehi's statistics for Crystal Palace vs Fulham
Although the Eagles were unwilling to cash in on the England international in the final days of the winter transfer window, when Tottenham Hotspur had a £70million offer rejected, the threat of him leaving as a free agent at the end of the 2025/26 campaign has resulted in admirers preparing to test their resolve.
Newcastle United have been earmarked as Chelsea's biggest competitors for Guehi's services even though Liverpool and Manchester United have also had some interest in opening negotiations, GMS sources have learned, and key decision makers at Stamford Bridge feel he would make an instant impact thanks to his Premier League pedigree.
Maresca Fears Missing Out on Huijsen Swoop
Spaniard wanted in homeland after consistent performances
dean huijsen
GMS sources have been told that Chelsea are fearful they will be beaten to the acquisition of Spain international Dean Huijsen after La Liga title-chasers Real Madrid have entered the race to sign him from Bournemouth, which is part of the reason for the decision to focus on landing Guehi.
The 24-year-old Crystal Palace captain, who has been described as a 'superstar' by Eagles chairman Steve Parish, has been deemed an ideal fit for the squad Maresca is attempting to build as he goes in search of more options to make the Blues more difficult for opponents to break down.
Chelsea are optimistic that it will be easier to turn Guehi's head than Huijsen after he has been the subject of widespread interest thanks to his consistent performances in a Bournemouth shirt, GMS sources have learned, but it has still been acknowledged that he matches the profile they are looking for.
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GMS sources recently revealed that the UEFA Conference League quarter-finalists are confident that the former Swansea City loanee is interested in sealing a return to west London, which resulted in them opting against rushing into attempting to agree terms midway through the campaign.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 01/04/2025
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