Chelsea talks over signing England defender confirmed; Arsenal, Tottenham stranded if ‘important money’ is bid
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Chelsea have been in contact over signing an Arsenal and Tottenham-linked centre-back, and a deal has assumed greater significance following a cruel injury blow.
The Blues have primarily spent their summer offloading unwanted stars and upgrading a sub-par forward line. Christopher Nkunku has been joined by Nicolas Jackson in attack, while a move for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo continues to bubble away behind the scenes.
However, following the devastating injury blow suffered by Wesley Fofana, a new centre-half may be required.
Fofana suffered an ACL injury in mid-July and has since undergone surgery to repair the issue. The luckless Frenchman will miss the bulk of the 2023/24 campaign while recovering.
Given Chelsea have already waved goodbye to Kalidou Koulibaly and Cesar Azpilicueta, the Blues look light at the heart of defence – even with Levi Colwill integrated into their plans.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed Chelsea will explore the centre-back market, though will only act for the right player at the right price.
But even before Fofana sustained his knee injury, Romano has revealed Chelsea were already in contact with Crystal Palace and England ace, Marc Guehi.
Fofana’s injury may only serve to heighten the Blues’ interest in the 22-year-old, though per Romano, there’s nothing concrete as yet.
Chelsea contacts for Marc Guehi confirmed
“Marc Guehi – There’s a lot of interest in the Crystal Palace defender, but it’s still too early to say where he will go,” Romano told Caught Offside.
“Palace players are always linked with moves away but it’s important to underline that Palace have to be respected and they want important money or they keep their stars.
“Chelsea had some contacts on the player side 15 days ago, but again, no concrete negotiations or anything advanced.”
Guehi forms one half of a superb centre-back pairing at Selhurst Park. He and Joachim Andersen are an extremely underrated tandem in the top flight and Palace will be understandably keen to retain both players this summer.
Arsenal and Tottenham have both shown interest in acquiring Guehi too. The Gunners’ interest may have subsided following their capture of Jurrien Timber. However, Spurs remain on the hunt for one and perhaps two new centre-halves.
Crystal Palace have Man City replacement in mind
Figures in the region of £50m-£60m have been cited when running the rule over Guehi’s future. Palace will be well within their means to hold out for a sum of that size given Guehi is under contract until 2026.
But in the event Chelsea were to bite the bullet and sigh Guehi, Palace may have already lined up a surprise replacement from Man City.
The Daily Star recently claimed Palace are eyeing up City’s wantaway Aymeric Laporte who’ll be allowed to leave if Josko Gvardiol signs.
Laporte fell behind Nathan Ake in Pep Guardiola’s pecking order last term. Gvaridol’s arrival would be the final nail in the coffin for Laporte’s Man City career.
