Chelsea may ultimately have to shell out at least £65million to bring one of their main summer transfer targets into their squad.
Since the ownership change two years back, Chelsea has never been scared to spend big and now it seems they will have to spend again in order to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.
According to The Telegraph, Crystal Palace will put up a fight to keep their 23-year-old defender. However, if Guehi is left with unsettled thoughts regarding departure after the discussions, they will not sell him for less than £65 million.
Guehi is expected to have contract talks with the club once he is back from duty with England at Euro 2024. If such talk is unsuccessful, interested buyers will have to start their bidding at £65 million.
The central defender has some kind of history with the Blues after lining up in their academy, but he got sold to Crystal Palace for a fee close to £18m in 2021, according to The Guardian.
Added to that, The Telegraph has reported that a sell-on clause and a matching option are present in the deal structure on any transfer of Guehi.
Also Read: Blues Consider Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy As New Striker Option
Marc Guehi has been strong enough to be seen as a reliable Premier League defender, showing decent form over the past three seasons for Crystal Palace.
If anything, his form for the England national team in Euro 2024 could boost his stock infinitely further. Standing out as a strong centre-back, Guehi is quick, powerful, and very good on the ball.
Joe Hart claimed Guehi was “exceptional” on his England debut in the 1-0 win over Serbia on previous Thursday to add to his worth, though the apparent interest from Chelsea is the latest sign of his growing reputation.
However, Chelsea fans are torn over it. Added to that, the Blues shouldn’t prioritize new signings in the central defense this summer.
With so many centre-backs out there already competing for places in lineup under new manager Enzo Maresca, it has to be seen that will these guys be given the chance for next season.
Though most Chelsea fans would welcome the ravish signing of Guehi, they look at the high cost and the depth in the center of defense that is readily available to question the need for the transfer.
Whether the deal can happen is likely to hinge on various considerations, including just what Palace can agree with the defender in ongoing contract talks and the wider transfer strategy at the Bridge this summer.
