Newcastle United now Leading Chelsea in the Race to Sign £46m Defender – Report | OneFootball

Newcastle United Surge Ahead in Guehi Chase as Transfer Fee Slashed

Newcastle United are once again setting the pace in the Premier League transfer race, this time with a revived pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. According to a report from TEAMtalk, the Magpies have surged ahead of Chelsea in the race to land the England international – a deal that could transform Eddie Howe’s defensive line.

While the Magpies had bids rejected last summer – including a late offer of £65 million with add-ons – the situation has shifted dramatically. With Guehi entering the final year of his contract, Palace are no longer in a position to demand such a lofty fee, and his valuation has reportedly dropped to around £46 million.

That drop in price has triggered renewed interest from several clubs, but Newcastle’s persistence may finally be paying off. “Newcastle have taken more concrete action and are not giving up on the England international,” TEAMtalk confirmed, highlighting the club’s determination to bring Guehi to St. James’ Park.

Photo IMAGO

Player’s Silence Fuels Transfer Speculation

Guehi himself has done little to dispel the swirling rumours. When pressed about his future in April, the Palace skipper offered a calm yet cryptic response:

“If I had a magic wand to sort everything out in an instant I would, but I don’t. You can’t control any exterior noise. I just focus on my football and giving my best.”

It’s a classic example of a player keeping his options open while also maintaining full professionalism. The 24-year-old clearly isn’t looking to force a move – but neither is he closing the door on one.

There’s a sense of inevitability surrounding this summer’s transfer window. Palace are bracing themselves for offers once again, but this time their leverage is diminished. Guehi’s contract situation hands negotiating power to suitors, and Newcastle appear most prepared to strike.

Growing Competition from Domestic Rivals

TEAMtalk also revealed that Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest are monitoring Guehi closely. Spurs, buoyed by a Europa League final appearance, are in the market for defensive reinforcements, while Forest’s Champions League ambitions make them an increasingly attractive project.

Nonetheless, Newcastle’s head start and aggressive posture could give them the edge. While Chelsea – Guehi’s former club – have been loosely linked, no significant moves have been made from Stamford Bridge. As TEAMtalk stated, “The Blues remain at arm’s length for now.”

Photo: IMAGO

In contrast, Newcastle’s front-foot approach mirrors their recruitment drive of recent windows – aggressive, ambitious and tightly aligned with Eddie Howe’s vision for a team capable of sustained top-four contention.

Guehi’s Style a Perfect Fit for Howe’s Blueprint

Marc Guehi offers the kind of composed, intelligent, and physically dominant profile that Eddie Howe has prioritised in his defensive revamp. A natural leader at just 24 and already captaining his current side, he blends Premier League experience with international pedigree, and that balance is rare in today’s market.

While there’s risk involved in a high-fee deal for a player with one year left on his deal, Newcastle’s boldness in the market suggests they see Guehi not just as a defensive solution – but as a cornerstone for the next five to seven years.

“Everyone has their own journey,” Guehi reflected in the TEAMtalk article – a sentiment that could soon apply to a new chapter in the North East.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Newcastle United supporter, this news is absolutely electric.

To hear that we’re ahead of Chelsea for Marc Guehi – a young England international with leadership qualities – is nothing short of exhilarating. We’ve all seen how solid he’s been at Palace, and to think we came in with a £65m bid before and still didn’t get him shows just how much Howe rates the lad.

Now, with the price falling to around £46m, it feels like this could be our moment. Guehi alongside Botman? That’s a backline you can build a dynasty on. He’s quick, he’s strong, and he’s smart on the ball – a perfect fit for the system we’re developing. With Champions League or Europa League football likely next season, this is exactly the kind of signing we need to stay in the mix with the elite.

And to be honest, seeing Chelsea dawdle while we press on shows the progress we’ve made as a club. No longer just making up the numbers, we’re competing head-on with the big boys – and winning.

This signing would be a statement. And I, for one, would welcome Guehi to the Toon with open arms.