Chelsea ‘Exploring’ Move to Re-Sign Former Defender in Potential £60m Deal – Report | OneFootball

Chelsea’s Defensive Dilemma: Guehi and Chalobah at the Centre of Transfer Speculation

Chelsea’s current predicament with a spate of centre-back injuries has led them to consider options that might help bolster their defence, with Marc Guehi’s potential return from Crystal Palace highlighted as a significant possibility according to The Standard. The urgency of the situation is compounded by the long-term injuries to key defenders Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile, with the former possibly out for the season due to a severe hamstring injury.

Exploring a Return for Marc Guehi

Marc Guehi, who left Chelsea for Crystal Palace in a deal worth £18 million back in 2021, has been making waves at Selhurst Park. Since his departure, Guehi has become a central figure in the Palace defence, earning himself a spot in the England squad and becoming a reliable presence in the backline. His progression has been so impressive that last summer Newcastle attempted to secure his services, with bids reaching up to £60 million, which Palace declined.

Photo IMAGO

Chelsea’s interest in re-signing Guehi comes at a time when the player is entering the final 18 months of his contract, with no new deal yet agreed. This contractual situation, coupled with Chelsea’s need for defensive reinforcements and the right-to-match clause included in his sale, makes a potential move back to Stamford Bridge a topic of intense speculation.

Potential Short-Term Solutions and Long-Term Strategies

While re-signing Guehi could be challenging this month, Chelsea has other options, including recalling Trevor Chalobah from his loan at Crystal Palace. Chalobah has been playing alongside Guehi, which might provide a short-term fix but also indicates potential for a more permanent solution if Chelsea decides to trigger their recall option.

Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, is also considering other available players to partner with Levi Colwill. Young talents like Josh Acheampong  have shown promise, could step up, but the desire for a seasoned player in Chelsea’s backline remains evident.

Photo: IMAGO

Chelsea’s Centre-Back Conundrum: A Historical Perspective

The situation echoes past challenges where Chelsea has had to navigate similar disruptions. The club’s history of nurturing young talents only to see them flourish elsewhere is notable, and Guehi’s case is no exception. His return would not only strengthen the team but also serve as a testament to the effectiveness of Chelsea’s youth system and transfer strategy.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Chelsea fan, the news of potentially bringing Marc Guehi back to Stamford Bridge brings a mixed bag of excitement and realism. Guehi’s development at Crystal Palace has been nothing short of stellar, and his leadership qualities, evidenced by his captaincy, would be immensely beneficial for Chelsea’s currently shaky defence. The thought of reuniting Guehi with the Chelsea squad, especially during a time plagued by injuries, offers a glimmer of hope.

Moreover, the possible recall of Trevor Chalobah might not just be a stopgap but could also rekindle his potential in a Chelsea shirt. These moves, although speculative, suggest a proactive approach by the club to address the immediate deficiencies without losing sight of long-term stability and success.

With Chelsea’s historical prowess in the transfer market and a strategy that includes bringing back successful loanees, the prospect of strengthening the squad mid-season is both a necessary and an exciting one. Each game without a solid defence is a risk, and the return of Guehi, alongside Chalobah, could be the bolster Chelsea desperately needs to navigate through the remainder of the season with confidence.