Chelsea set to rival Liverpool for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi

Chelsea is set to offer stiff competition to Liverpool and other Premier League clubs for the signature of Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, whose contract is set to expire next summer.

Guehi, whose contract expires at the end of the season, was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool in the recent transfer window. However, the Merseyside Reds failed to secure the 25-year-old’s signature before the window closed.

The highly anticipated transfer to Anfield fell through in the final days of the window when Palace halted negotiations, unable to secure a suitable replacement for their club captain.

Liverpool, who are favourites to sign the English international, failed in their attempt to secure the defender’s signature for a reported £35 million in the summer.

However, according to a report from Fichajes, the Blues are keen to reunite with their former academy graduate as part of their quest to continue their “expensive” rebuilding under the new ownership.

Meanwhile, Arsenal and Manchester United are also keenly monitoring the defender, who is widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s top defenders. Guehi could be a stellar addition for any of the four clubs.

Reports suggest that Palace, the FA Cup and Community Shield champions, withdrew from the deal at the last moment due to manager Oliver Glasner’s alleged threat to resign if their captain was sold this season.

A report which has subsequently been quashed by the manager, days after the transfer window shut.

Dutch manager Arne Slot expressed his disappointment at failing to sign the English international, but remains confident the club will be going back to complete what they started.

Chelsea have looked vulnerable, defensively, especially after the injury blow to Levi Colwill, and they need to strengthen at the back if they want to get back to the top of English football.

Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea bolstered their defense by signing 19-year-old Ajax star Jorell Hato for €46.5 million in the summer to cover for Levi Colwill’s absence.

However, Guehi’s Premier League experience, resilience, and leadership would further strengthen the Blues’ backline.

Arsenal’s defense is already well-equipped, making a move there potentially unwise for Guehi. Seeking regular playing time, he may find limited opportunities at Arsenal due to their established backline.

United needs a high-quality, long-term successor to Harry Maguire, who is nearing the later stages of his career. Palace’s Marc Guehi could be the perfect addition to their defense.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are not relenting on their pursuit of the Eagles’ captain in the upcoming transfer window after missing out in the summer.

His destination remains uncertain, but he could serve as an ideal replacement for Ibrahima Konaté, whose contract expires in the summer and who has yet to sign an extension, potentially leading to his departure.