Chelsea Eye Marc Guehi Return as Crystal Palace Stand Firm on £70m Valuation

Chelsea is exploring the possibility of re-signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace to bolster their injury-hit defense. However, the move faces significant obstacles, as Palace has reportedly placed a £70 million price tag on the highly-rated center-back—a fee Chelsea is reluctant to pay at this stage.

Chelsea’s Defensive Woes

The Blues are dealing with a defensive crisis, with Wesley Fofana sidelined for the season and Benoît Badiashile also out due to injury. This has left Chelsea short of options at the back, making Guehi, a product of their academy, an appealing target. Since leaving Chelsea for Palace in 2021 for £18 million, Guehi has developed into one of the Premier League’s top defenders and has become a regular for the England national team.

Challenges in Signing Guehi

Palace is in no rush to sell Guehi, who has 18 months remaining on his contract. They value him highly, especially given his importance to the team, which currently sits precariously in 15th place, just five points above the relegation zone. Palace is reportedly unwilling to let him go for less than their asking price, even as his value could drop if he does not renew his contract.

Chelsea has a 20% sell-on clause from Guehi’s initial transfer to Palace, which could complicate negotiations. The Blues also hold a first-refusal option, meaning they can match any offer Palace receives before a sale is finalized, potentially giving them an advantage if they decide to meet the valuation.

Competition for Guehi

Newcastle United attempted to sign Guehi last summer but failed to agree on a fee. Liverpool is also monitoring the situation, viewing Guehi as a potential successor to Virgil van Dijk should the Dutch defender depart in the near future.

Chalobah Recall Consideration

In addition to targeting Guehi, Chelsea is considering recalling Trevoh Chalobah from his loan spell at Palace to alleviate their defensive crisis. However, Palace may resist such a move, as Chalobah has been a vital part of their squad this season.

Chelsea’s Current Struggles

Chelsea’s form has been underwhelming, with recent Premier League setbacks, including draws against Everton and Fulham and a loss to Ipswich. A 1-1 draw against Palace further highlighted their struggles. Their upcoming FA Cup tie against League Two side Morecambe provides an opportunity to turn things around, but reinforcements in defense are clearly needed if they are to recover their form and compete effectively.

For now, Chelsea’s ability to secure Guehi will depend on their willingness to meet Palace’s high valuation and navigate the complexities of the deal amidst competition from other top clubs.