What Chelsea want to see happen before making summer bid for Marc Guehi with Crystal Palace defender ‘open’ to move

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Chelsea were unable to sign Marc Guehi in the last transfer window, but it looks like the Blues are still interested in the Crystal Palace defender.

Marc Guehi became a target for Chelsea after Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile sustained injuries.

Instead of re-signing their academy product, though, they ended up recalling Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at Selhurst Park.

However, if the conditions are right this summer, then it appears that Chelsea could go back in for Guehi.

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Chelsea want Crystal Palace to lower asking price for Marc Guehi

Understandably, Palace value Guehi very highly. The 24-year-old is one of the best central defenders in the Premier League and has been captaining the Eagles this season.

In the past, it has been thought that Palace have valued Guehi at £70m, a fee Chelsea seem reluctant to pay.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, though, if Palace reduce their asking price to around £50m, then their London rivals are likely to bid for him.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, he said: “So Chelsea can see value in the fee for Guehi, which has been deemed to be very inflated in previous windows. But if — because of his contractual situation — that fee drops to in and around £50million, I think that is a deal that Chelsea will return for.

“And if they can agree a fee with Palace, I think the player is open to returning to Stamford Bridge.”

Defence has been a huge issue for Chelsea lately, who have conceded five goals in their last two outings.

How Marc Guehi performed in the Premier League over the weekend

Guehi continues to prove that he is a very good centre-back and one capable of playing for Chelsea.

He was excellent in Palace’s 2-0 win against Chelsea’s west London rivals Fulham on Saturday, putting up some impressive defensive numbers.

In total, the England international made 10 defensive actions. Only teammates Will Hughes (13) and Maxence Lacroix (18) recorded more than him during the match.

For £50m, Chelsea have to sign Guehi in the summer. Palace obviously want more than that, but with the centre-half’s contract expiring next year, they are probably going to have to settle for a lower fee or risk losing him for nothing at the end of the 2025/26 season.

Guehi is not the only central defender on the Blues’ radar, though. Chelsea are also interested in Dean Huijsen after his impressive campaign at Bournemouth.