Chelsea is reportedly interested in signing Crystal Palace’s defender, Marc Guehi, whose contract expires at the end of the season. Liverpool also showed interest previously. Guehi’s potential availability as a free agent makes him an attractive target for several elite clubs, including Chelsea.
Chelsea Football Club has reportedly set its sights on Crystal Palace's central defender, Marc Guehi, as they look to bolster their defensive options. According to reports from Football Insider, the Blues are closely monitoring Guehi's situation at Selhurst Park, with the possibility of making a move for the talented defender.
Marc Guehi's current contract with Crystal Palace is set to expire at the end of the season, and indications suggest that he will not be signing a new deal with the club. This has put several top clubs on high alert, including Chelsea, who are keen to add his quality to their squad. Liverpool had previously expressed interest in signing Guehi during the summer transfer window, but Crystal Palace ultimately decided against selling him as they were unable to find a suitable replacement.
Former Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers chief scout, Mick Brown, has weighed in on the situation, stating that he was surprised by the lack of competition for Guehi's signature during the summer. Brown believes that Guehi's availability on a free transfer would be a significant bargain for any club that manages to secure his services.
"I was surprised Liverpool didn’t have more competition in the summer," Brown told Football Insider. "So now we’ve got all of these clubs interested in him and planning to make offers to him when he becomes available on a free, and that’s not a shock to anybody."
Brown further emphasized Guehi's qualities as a player, highlighting his experience in the Premier League and his status as a first-choice centre-back for England. He believes that Guehi would be a valuable addition to any team, capable of improving their defensive capabilities.
"He’s England’s first-choice centre-back and has years of experience in the Premier League, so he would improve whichever side end up getting him," Brown added.
Chelsea's interest in Guehi is particularly intriguing due to the player's background as a product of their academy. This connection could potentially give the Blues an advantage in the race for his signature, as Guehi may be tempted by the prospect of returning to his former club.
"Chelsea are the latest team I’ve heard are looking to make a move because he came through their academy so that could be a bit of an advantage to them," Brown explained.
The manager's desire to strengthen the defensive options at Chelsea is a key factor driving their interest in Guehi. While a move in January may be unlikely, Chelsea are expected to make a strong push to sign him at the end of the season.
"The manager wants to improve his defensive options, so of course Guehi is going to be an option, but I expect they’ll have to wait until the end of the season rather than doing it in January," Brown stated.
The potential arrival of Guehi at Chelsea would undoubtedly represent an upgrade to their current defensive options. His quality, experience, and familiarity with the club make him an attractive target for the Blues.
"He would be an upgrade on the options they’ve got there at the moment, so it would be more of a surprise if they didn’t try to bring him in, to be honest," Brown concluded.
Chelsea's pursuit of Marc Guehi highlights their ambition to strengthen their squad and compete for major honors. The defender's potential availability on a free transfer makes him an even more appealing target, and the Blues will be hoping to beat off competition from other clubs to secure his signature.
The coming months will be crucial in determining Guehi's future, as Chelsea and other interested parties vie for his services. The defender's decision will have a significant impact on his career and could potentially shape the defensive landscape of the Premier League for years to come.