Ex-Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich may have left his former side the ultimate parting gift to spare their blushes. The Blues are in the market for a defender in the January transfer window, and they could pounce to bring back centre-back Marc Guehi thanks to the negotiating prowess of their former owner.
Chelsea have splashed the cash since Todd Boehly arrived at Stamford Bridge, with over £1billion being spent on new signings to reshape the squad. However, the American businessman is yet to reap the benefits of his investment at this stage.
Mauricio Pochettino’s squad appears to be disjointed and lacking a clear plan, with performances taking their toll as a result. Chelsea are keen to continue their spending spree in the upcoming transfer windows, not content with how the team has come together.
Acquiring the services of a defender has been made a priority by Pochettino, with Trevoh Chalobah expected to depart in January and Thiago Silva reaching the twilight of his career. Crystal Palace star Guehi is among those to be linked with a move to Chelsea, though several other sides are keen on the England international.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City are also monitoring Guehi’s situation closely and a bidding war is potentially on the cards for the 23-year-old. However, Chelsea have the upper hand in negotiations thanks to Abramovich.
The Blues inserted a ‘first refusal’ clause into their academy product’s contract when he left to head to Selhurst Park in 2021. Thus, if Palace accept a bid from any of the aforementioned clubs then Chelsea have the option of matching the bid and luring Guehi back to the club.
The ex-Swansea City loanee would therefore have the chance to decide whether he wants to return to Chelsea or pastures new as there will be two accepted bids on the table. Pochettino’s side can, of course, try and strike a deal before other sides table their own bids in an attempt to avoid Guehi’s price being driven up, but Palace are keen for a bidding war to ensure that they can maximise the profit made on their £19million signing.
It remains to be seen how the Blues approach negotiations with Palace, having damaged their relationship with the club over the summer when trying to sign Michael Olise. The French forward ultimately decided to pen a contract extension with the Eagles rather than join Chelsea, with Cole Palmer signed as an alternative.
