Exclusive: Chelsea planning surprise move to bring £70m star back to the club next year

09/09/2024 08:16 AM

• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

Although it was a slightly chaotic summer transfer window for Chelsea, Enzo Maresca ultimately settled on a very strong squad for the upcoming season.

Pedro Neto, Joao Felix and Jadon Sancho all arrived as late signings, a trio who will provide goals, excitement and attacking flair for Chelsea.

That being said, Chelsea vetoed a move to sign Kingsley Coman in favour of loaning Sancho on deadline day from Manchester United – a decision that can only be judged in time.

And after bringing Felix back to Stamford Bridge this summer, who previously was on loan at the club in 2023, Chelsea are now lining up an even more sensational return.

TBR Football understands that Chelsea are keeping close tabs on Marc Guehi's situation and are ready to make a move to bring him back to the club in 2025.

Chelsea planning 2025 move to bring Marc Guehi back to Stamford Bridge

Guehi, who is currently away with England over the international break, is out of contract at Crystal Palace in 2026, and it currently seems unlikely that he will sign a new deal.

Palace turned down the chance of a £70m deal with Newcastle United for Guehi last month, a summer in which they had already lost Joachim Andersen from their back line.

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The 24-year-old was happy to move to Tyneside but didn't agitate for a move, instead content to see how the future pans out.

Newcastle remain interested in signing Guehi, but are certainly not alone, with Chelsea now paying close attention to the defender's future.

Liverpool and Manchester City are also admirers of Guehi – a centre-back who showcased his rich talent at the Euros.

And despite the amount of centre-backs Chelsea already have at Maresca's disposal, the club are still in the market to improve their options, whether that be in January or next summer.

Marc Guehi could limit Wes Fofana’s chances at Chelsea

As mentioned, Chelsea do already have a number of centre-backs at the club.

Maresca has started the season with Levi Colwill and Wes Fofana in the middle of his defence – a duo with so much promise for the future.

And with the likes of newly-signed Tosin Adarabioyo and also Axel Disasi and Benoit Badisashile at the club, signing Guehi for a significant fee may not be deemed the best idea.

Chelsea already spent an enormous amount on Fofana in the past, who's progress at the club has been stumped by injury thus far.

And if Guehi does arrive in the future, many may then imagine that Fofana would drop to the bench, with the Englishman coming in to partner Colwill.