“Step up their efforts” – Ex Man United chief scout tips Chelsea to accelerate move for Premier League star | OneFootball

Chelsea will intensify their pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi if they qualify for the Champions League according to reports.

The Blues are once again set to be busy this summer with the club looking to sign a striker, centre back and right footed attacker to bolster Enzo Maresca’s ranks.

Chelsea could look to fund their business by selling as many as seven or eight players with a number of squad members now surplus to requirements.

Chelsea to accelerate Guehi pursuit if they make Champions League

Whilst a striker is the main priority the Blues are also looking for defensive reinforcements and there’s set to be movement at centre back.

Chelsea had identified Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen as a main target, but the 20-year-old decided to join Real Madrid instead.

Guehi has one year left on his Crystal Palace contract. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

The Blues are said to hold interest in Jarrad Branthwaite and Jorrel Hato as well as Guehi and former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown has said Chelsea will accelerate their pursuit of the Palace man if they qualify for the Champions League.

“Marc Guehi could play for any side in the world,” he told Football Insider.

“I know Chelsea have been looking at him as one of their top targets at centre-back.

“Obviously, he came through their academy so they know him well.

“He would be a calming and stable influence which they haven’t currently got in their back line.

“So if they get into the Champions League, which is their main focus for now, I expect they’ll step up their efforts to bring him in.

“They’re not the only ones interested, though, so they might have to move quickly.”

Guehi, who’s out of contract in 2026 captained Crystal Palace to the FA Cup last weekend, and has scored three goals in 44 appearances in all competitions this season.

Branthwaite and Hato target

If the Blues miss out on Guehi, they could move for Everton’s Branthwaite and the club are said to be keen on the defender.

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Branthwaite was subject to interest from Manchester United last summer, but he ended up staying at Goodison Park.

Hato is a player Chelsea are believed to be considering making a move for and the Ajax teenager would provide much needed cover for Marc Cucurella at left back.