Chelsea determined to pip Premier League rivals to sign Marc Guehi | OneFootball

Chelsea are determined to snap up Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi in the summer transfer window ahead of Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, according to the Mirror.

The Blues need to reinforce their brittle rearguard, and manager Enzo Maresca has identified Guehi as the ideal candidate.

Chelsea have been guilty of schoolboy defending this season, and it is one of the reasons for their slump that has seen them win only three of their last ten games. Guehi would be responsible for leading the rearguard and making them a more solid outfit.

Chelsea sold their Cobham Academy graduate to Crystal Palace in 2021 for £18 million. He has grown in leaps and bounds, becoming an England international (22 caps) and one of the better defenders in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old is a terrific centre-back, helping Palace keep seven clean sheets in 24 league games. He has won 67% of his aerial and 61% of his ground duels. He has also contributed three goals and two assists.

Chelsea need an experienced head around Levi Colwill, and Guehi could be the ideal partnership as the Blues look to pull themselves out of this cesspit of mediocrity that has enveloped the club.

Chelsea have also been linked with AFC Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, who has been one of the breakout stars in the Premier League this term. He has a £50 million release clause, which becomes active this summer.

The 6ft5ins defensive phenom has long been tipped to become one of the best in the world and has started showing exactly why football minds like Daniele De Rossi and Jose Mourinho praised him so highly.

However, while Huijsen’s potential is undeniable, Chelsea need a defender ready to step in and make an immediate impact.

Guehi is the safer bet for a team desperate to steady their defence. His composure, reading of the game, and ability to marshal a backline are exactly what Chelsea require.

Huijsen, at just 19, has the physical attributes and technical prowess to become a world-class defender, but he is still raw and developing. The Blues do not have the luxury of waiting for a young centre-back to mature, especially when their defensive frailties have already cost them dearly this season.

Guehi is battle-tested in the Premier League and has proven himself as a leader at Crystal Palace and with the England national team.

His experience, defensive solidity, and ability to organise a backline make him the ideal choice for Chelsea. If the Blues want to turn things around quickly and solidify their defence, they should prioritise Guehi over Huijsen in the summer transfer window.