Chelsea are reportedly in contact with Crystal Palace over a move for England international Marc Guehi after Wesley Fofana suffered a significant rupturing ACL.
According to Fabrizio Romano (via CaughtOffside), Chelsea established contacts with Crystal Palace about a fortnight ago to understand the possibility of re-signing centre-back Marc Guehi this summer as they pursue replacements for long-term absentee Wesley Fofana.
Romano wrote in his exclusive CaughtOffside column, “Marc Guehi – There’s a lot of interest in the Crystal Palace defender, but it’s still too early to say where he will go. Palace players are always linked with moves away but it’s important to underline that Palace have to be respected and they want important money or they keep their stars. Chelsea had some contacts on the player side 15 days ago, but again, no concrete negotiations or anything advanced.”
The 23-year-old left the West Londoners for Crystal Palace for £18 million in 2021, but no buyback clause was included. Instead, they have the benefit of first refusal on any return transfer if another team lodges a transfer bid, which is possible with both north London outfits
Arsenal and Tottenham understood to be long-term admirers of the central defender, who has become one of England’s best central defenders. Geuhi has gone from strength to strength since joining the Eagles in 2021, scoring five goals and providing one assist in 82 matches.
Having made a reputation for himself at Selhurst Park, the four-capped England international has also become a regular member of Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad, having featured in June’s Euro 2024 qualifiers, and he stands a solid chance of making England’s selection for Euro 2024.
Crystal Palace probably would want to turn a sizable profit on their prized asset, who still has three years remaining on his existing deal and could quote as much as £50 million to any potential suitors.
Chelsea are considering re-signing the academy graduate, and will now need to decide whether to invest big money on another defender amid fears that Wesley Fofana could be out for the season after having surgery on an injured ACL.
Guehi would also want to be a regular starter at any club he joins this summer as he looks to break into England’s first team. With Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, and Trevoh Chalobah already on their books, it is unclear whether Chelsea could offer such a role.
