LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace in action during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and AFC Bournemouth at Selhurst Park on April 19, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)
Chelsea are in the market for two new centre-backs this summer, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen the most appreciated names as reported by TEAMTalk.
The Blues are in the thick of the race for Champions League places, currently sitting in 5th albeit level on points with 6th place Nottingham Forest, who have a game in hand.
A place amongst Europe’s elite is said to be a massive factor in their recruitment plans this summer, as they will look to improve on what has been a rocky campaign. Enzo Maresca will reportedly be handed a massive war chest and has identified defence as major area for improvement.
Familiar Face
Palace Captain Marc Guehi came through the ranks at Chelsea, featuring in the all conquering U18 side that won the treble in 2017. He signed his professional contract that year and two years later was named in four Premier League squads during the 2019-2020 season.
He was an unused sub in each occasion, however, and was eventually sent on loan to Swansea for two seasons before joining Palace in 2021. He has been a mainstay for the Eagles, seeing his stock rise and breaking into the full England set up.
Still just 24, Guehi is atop the list of many clubs seeking defensive reinforcements and his current deal expires in the summer of 2026. Palace are said to open to selling the player this summer to maximise profit.
Palace signed Guehi for £18 million with Chelsea said to have sell-on incentives as well first refusal to match any offers for the player. Trevoh Chalobah – who spent time on loan to Palace earlier this season – could be a potential makeweight in this deal with Chelsea said to be keen to sell and Palace interested in resigning. A player plus cash deal could sweeten the pot for the Blues.
Palace notably turned down what would have been a record £65m plus £5m in add-ons bid from Newcastle last summer but are said to be resigned to losing the player for less this summer. Newcastle among others remain interested, so Chelsea will likely have a fight on their hands.
Hot Property
Chelsea would perhaps face an either bigger fight for the signature of Dean Huijsen, with the Spain and Bournemouth defender the name on several clubs’ wish list this summer.
As many as seven other clubs are said to hold firm interest in the player who reportedly prefers a stay in the Premier League. Huijsen has a €58million release clause which would represent good business in today’s market.
Chelsea are also said to be preparing a summer clear out to free up additional funds, with as many as six players believed to be made available this summer.
Among the names are Kieran Dewsbury-Hall, Trevoh Chalobah, Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke, who could all fetch Chelsea significant returns to fund any incomings.
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