Chelsea determined to sign ‘incredible’ Premier League defender, John Obi Mikel will be delighted

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Chelsea are reportedly desperate to complete the signing of a Premier League centre-back when the transfer window reopens in the summer.

In the current Chelsea squad, the central defence is a big talking point for supporters. It’s one of the reasons why the Blues have only kept four clean sheets in 25 Premier League games so far this season.

Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana were building a solid partnership at centre-half earlier in the 2024/25 campaign before the latter’s injury blow. Thankfully, Fofana is close to returning from injury because Enzo Maresca confirmed on 13 February he’s only a few weeks away from being fit again.

Despite the worries in the heart of defence, Chelsea still loaned out in January Renato Veiga and Axel Disasi to Juventus and Aston Villa, respectively.

• READ MORE: Aston Villa fans are saying the same thing about Chelsea loanee Axel Disasi after latest display, ‘I’ve seen enough’…

Chelsea determined to sign ‘incredible’ defender to lead them

Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi, 24, has been heavily linked with a potential move back to Stamford Bridge after coming through the Chelsea academy as a youngster several years ago.

Even though Chelsea wanted to sign Guehi in January, the central defender stayed put at Selhurst Park, where he’s captaining the Palace team on a weekly basis.

According to The Mirror, Chelsea are ‘determined’ to lead the race to sign Palace star Guehi in the summer.

Apparently, they’re are massive admirers of the 24-year-old and want to re-sign the centre-back. They’re aware that Tottenham and Newcastle United have chased his signature in the past, though.

The report adds that Chelsea manager Maresca rates Guehi and identifies him as a defensive leader to improve his squad and dressing room. Without a doubt, we agree that he would add the sort of leadership and know-how that a young Blues squad is crying out for.

Chelsea believe Guehi would pick them over Spurs in a direct transfer battle for his signature this summer when he would be entering the final 12 months of his Palace contract.

John Obi Mikel would be delighted with Marc Guehi

If Chelsea do secure the signing of Guehi for next season, it would tick a huge box that former Blues star John Obi Mikel has been demanding. Therefore, we think he would be delighted with the Palace skipper joining the squad.

Mikel insists Chelsea don’t have leaders when he looks around at a young and inexperienced group.

In addition, Mikel wants more from captain Reece James because he doesn’t see him leading the side on the pitch.

As you can see above, Chelsea have had some gargantuan individuals wearing the captain’s armband in the 21st century. The current group would be elevated to much greater heights with a natural leader like John Terry in the dressing room.

Guehi has a long way to go to prove himself as an elite leader, but he’s been superb for Palace in that role this campaign. Described as “incredible” by Eberechi Eze (Evening Standard), Guehi could be a really smart purchase for Chelsea.