Sources: Chelsea planning bid for £70m star and could sell three players as a result

Today at 04:15 AM

TBR Football understands that Chelsea are prepared to wait until the summer to re-sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.

Guehi joined Palace from Chelsea in 2021 on a five-year-deal, and has since thrived in south London, explaining why he's now a regular for England.

Given his progress, Chelsea now want Guehi back at Stamford Bridge, even if that will come at a significant cost.

Chelsea wanted Guehi in January, but it's becoming clear that a deal is increasingly unlikely to happen this month.

Enzo Maresca's side recently recalled Trevor Chalobah from south London, in time for him to star in their 3-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.

Chelsea planning to axe three centre-backs after bringing Marc Guehi back

Graeme Bailey – chief correspondent at TBR Football, understands that Chelsea had still been considering doing a deal for Guehi this month, one that could have seen Chalobah going back to Palace.

However, Guehi is not in a hurry to make the move, and Palace know that their star centre-back isn't going to sign a new deal to extend contract beyond 2026.

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As a result, Oliver Glasner's side aren't even offering Guehi fresh terms as they know that he is leaving in the summer.

On their part, Chelsea also know that Palace have to sell in the summer.

Guehi remains one of the club's top targets, and Maresca is planning to re-work his central defensive department by next season.

As a result, Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile could all leave.

Aston Villa have enquired about Disasi, a defender who has often been on the sidelines under Maresca.

Newcastle retain their own interest in Marc Guehi

Of course, Guehi was linked with a move to Newcastle last summer, who were willing to pay £70m for the defender.

TBR reported that Chelsea wanted to re-sign Guehi all the way back in September, a situation Chelsea were keeping a close eye on.

On his part, Guehi has often refused to comment on links away from the Palace.

But perhaps the Palace captain could still be Levil Colwill's long-term partner at the heart of Maresca's defence, should Chelsea be able to execute a deal in the summer.

TBR understands that Newcastle retain their own interest in Guehi too, a defender with plenty of admirers.