Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has insisted that the club's priority will be to bring in another centre-back following Levi Colwill's injury.
The Blues were heading into the 2025-26 season full of optimism after they won the Club World Cup, but expectations have been dampened after defender Colwill suffered an ACL injury against Bayer Leverkusen on August 8.
Maresca will have been counting on the Englishman, especially as he is arguably the best passer in the Londoners' backline.
Given that Chelsea have been known to spend freely under the direction of Todd Boehly, it would not be surprising if they looked to bring in another option this summer.
Amid links to Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, Maresca admitted on Friday that the club are determined to bring in another centre-back, saying: "It’s a priority for me, yes, because Levi is a fantastic player.
"What we achieved last season is because of him also. I love him, I’m going to miss him. We are trying also to find different solutions.”
Guehi has just a year remaining on his Palace contract, and the Eagles will have to seriously consider a sale if a suitable offer arrives.
Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi reacts on April 5, 2025
Should Guehi sign for Liverpool or Chelsea this summer transfer window?
Liverpool have been credited with serious interest in Guehi and are seen as favourites for his signature, though Guehi's pathway into the first team next season is unclear.
Captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate excelled last term and are unlikely to be removed from the starting XI, and the Palace defender could find it difficult to get regular playing time.
The unfortunate injury to Colwill means that Guehi would face relatively little competition for a spot in Chelsea's team, despite the fact they boast a number of centre-backs in their ranks.
If Guehi has ambitions of starting for England at the 2026 World Cup, then getting as much game time as possible will be key for his chances.
Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi on December 3, 2024
Does Enzo Maresca have enough defenders?
Though Guehi would be able to come in and start at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea already boast a number of players capable of playing as centre-backs, even if they are not as accomplished as the Palace defender.
The Blues signed Jorrel Hato from Ajax this summer, while they also have the likes of Trevoh Chalobah, Renato Veiga and Axel Disasi on their books.
Fans and commentators have brought the Londoners' transfer policy into question given they have signed more than 50 players since Boehly took charge.
It remains to be seen how Chelsea can fit both Guehi and Colwill into the same XI considering both prefer to operate on the left side, and perhaps Chelsea would be wise to approach the transfer window cautiously.
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