Multiple reports Chelsea main rivals for Liverpool defensive target | OneFootball

Chelsea and Liverpool Set to Battle for Marc Guehi Ahead of 2026

Chelsea are preparing to revisit familiar ground in the transfer market as they plot a move for England international Marc Guehi, with Liverpool also strongly positioned to make their case. Both clubs are expected to be at the forefront of one of the most significant free transfer battles of 2026, with AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan also on Chelsea’s radar.

Guehi attracting Premier League and European giants

Guehi has become one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe after his rise with Crystal Palace and continued prominence with England. Liverpool came close to securing his services in a £35 million deal before the deadline earlier this month, only for Palace chairman Steve Parish to step in and block the move at the final stage.

Now, with Guehi’s contract due to expire at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, several leading clubs are lining up. Liverpool remain widely viewed as favourites, but Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham are all attentive. Chelsea are re-entering the conversation, given their long-standing connection with Guehi, who progressed through their academy system before joining Palace.

Across Europe, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Juventus and Napoli are monitoring developments closely. The 25-year-old centre-half will be in a rare position of control, with multiple elite options available should he decide to move on a free.

Chelsea considering return for former academy product

Chelsea’s recruitment under Todd Boehly has been marked by significant spending, exceeding £1.5 billion since May 2022. However, the west London club now appear to be adjusting their strategy by identifying premium free transfer opportunities.

While Chelsea chose not to reinforce their defence this summer despite Levi Colwill’s injury, the availability of a player they know intimately presents a different proposition. Guehi is admired for both his ability and character, and sources within the game have suggested that bringing him back would be among the safest investments available on the market.

Chelsea’s interest is not without competition, but the combination of homegrown status and elite-level consistency makes Guehi a highly logical target. For Liverpool, his potential arrival would reinforce a defensive unit that has already been under review as the club seeks to sustain its competitiveness domestically and in Europe.

Free transfer market shaping Chelsea’s 2026 plans

Alongside Guehi, Chelsea continue to pursue Maignan, the AC Milan and France international goalkeeper. Chelsea explored a deal during the summer but were met with firm resistance from Milan, who were determined to retain their No.1.

With Maignan’s contract expiring in June 2026, Chelsea are expected to return in January with an offer but are equally prepared to wait and secure him without a fee. Their interest reflects ongoing uncertainty about Robert Sanchez’s long-term position and underlines the club’s desire to strengthen with proven performers.

Should both moves materialise, Chelsea could significantly reshape their spine without the vast outlays that have defined the Boehly era to date.

What lies ahead for Guehi and Liverpool

For Liverpool, Guehi remains a priority target, and their failure to complete a deal this summer may yet prove temporary. Sources around the game suggest they are in pole position to land him, although his growing list of admirers ensures a drawn-out contest is inevitable.

With his Palace contract running down, Guehi will command attention from every corner of the European elite. For Chelsea, the lure of reuniting with a player developed at Cobham is strong, while for Liverpool, the opportunity to reinforce their defence with one of the most reliable centre-backs in the Premier League could be decisive.

The battle for Guehi is set to define the early stages of the 2026 transfer market – and with Maignan also in Chelsea’s sights, the free agent window promises to be every bit as competitive as those dominated by record-breaking fees.