Chelsea target Guehi twist

Chelsea press on over Marc Guehi as Palace face depth concerns ahead of the season and a busy transfer window unfolds.

Chelsea secure new Marc Guehi transfer twist amid Crystal Palace worry

Marc Guehi’s future at Crystal Palace is once again in focus as Chelsea’s interest resurfaces with the defender having just 12 months left on his contract. Chelsea sit as frontrunners in the race for Guehi, who is seen as a key part of a new centre-back alignment as they seek to balance youth with experience. The transfer chatter comes as Chelsea reassess their options after Jarell Quansah’s move to Bayer Leverkusen and amid confirmation that Axel Disasi, Renato Veiga and Aaron Anselmino could leave either permanently or on loan. Benoit Badiashile remains sidelined with an injury, and Levi Colwill’s ACL setback threatens to stretch Chelsea’s defensive depth just as pre-season fixtures reveal squad wear and tear.

Chelsea’s manager Enzo Maresca has already flagged defence as a top priority, emphasizing the need to strengthen the back line if injuries bite. On the other side, Palace appear well-stocked in defence for now, but the ongoing transfer chatter around Guehi adds to the distractions as they prepare for a tough start to the campaign. Pre-season results show Chelsea beat Bayern Leverkusen and then destroyed AC Milan, while Palace faced Liverpool in friendlies that tested their resolve ahead of the Community Shield matchups. The calendar clash that matters most is Sunday August 17, when Palace play Chelsea in the league opener, a fixture that will shape early momentum for both clubs.

The Guehi pursuit highlights Chelsea’s ongoing rebuild under Maresca. They are trying to layer a solid spine with dependable young players while navigating a crowded squad and potential departures. Injuries to Colwill and questions around other defenders increase the risk that Chelsea will push hard for a late-window addition. For Palace, losing Guehi would sting on and off the pitch, tightening the club’s focus on revenue cycles and squad planning. The window still holds weeks of drama, and the paths of two London clubs could split or converge based on a single decision. In this landscape, transfer chatter is less a drama and more a signal of how both clubs intend to shape their seasons from the backline up.

Highlights

Both clubs face a critical few weeks as the squad evolves in real time.