Chelsea
Mick Brown
Sat 24 May 2025 7:30, UK
Chelsea will accelerate their efforts to sign Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi if they qualify for the Champions League on the final day of the season.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 24-year-old is among Chelsea’s top targets at centre-back.
The Blues will face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on 25 May, knowing if they fail to win they will likely miss out on Champions League football.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed Guehi’s future has not changed at Crystal Palace despite their FA Cup success, as he enters the final year of his deal.
There is a belief that the England international will be allowed to leave Selhurst Park this summer despite Palace having turned down a £70million offer in January.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider in February Palace have begun planning to replace Guehi as they prepare for his departure.
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi
(Credit: Imago)
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Chelsea plan to beat rivals to Marc Guehi deal
Football Insider revealed in February that Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham want Guehi ahead of the summer transfer window.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has now insisted the Blues could look to steal a march on their rivals as a new defender is their priority.
“*Marc Guehi could play for any side in the world,*” he told Football Insider.
“There used to be questions about whether he was big enough and whether he would be competitive in their, but he’s answered those questions.
“He reads the game fantastically and snuffs moves out, whether it’s on the ground or in the air.
“I’m a big fan of his because he’s answered every question that’s been put to him.
“There’s been a clear improvement and he’s now one of the best in the country, starts for England and has led his team to winning the FA Cup.
“I know Chelsea have been looking at him as one of their top targets at centre-back.
“Obviously, he came through their academy so they know him well.
“He would be a calming and stable influence which they haven’t currently got in their back line.
“So if they get into the Champions League, which is their main focus for now, I expect they’ll step up their efforts to bring him in.
“They’re not the only ones interested, though, so they might have to move quickly.”
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca is planning to strengthen his Chelsea squad. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Jarrad Branthwaite update emerges at Stamford Bridge
Enzo Maresca’s side have been linked with moves for a number of Premier League centre-backs this summer, with Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite also on their radar.
Brown told Football Insider on 20 May that Chelsea are considering a move for Branthwaite as a potential addition to resolve their defensive concerns.
However, they are worried about the cost of landing the centre-back and are instead likely to turn their attentions towards more affordable target.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider in November that Everton would price Branthwaite out of a move with a potential £100million price tag.
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