Report: Chelsea Make Late Push for Liverpool Transfer Target | OneFootball

Liverpool and Chelsea Locked in Late Battle for Marc Guehi

Liverpool’s pursuit of Marc Guehi has dominated transfer talk as the clock ticks down, but Chelsea have made a dramatic late intervention, according to CaughtOffside. The Crystal Palace captain is attracting huge attention after his standout display in a 3-0 win over Aston Villa, where his curling strike flew past Marco Bizot into the top corner.

Liverpool’s £35m bid and Palace’s stance

Liverpool have already submitted a £35m bid, which remains on the table, and Guehi is reported to have verbally agreed personal terms with the Anfield club. Palace boss Oliver Glasner made clear his admiration before the Villa game, saying, “He has a contract here for Crystal Palace. He trains well, he plays well. He is the captain of the side. Everyone knows his situation.”

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Palace, who lifted the FA Cup last season with Guehi leading as captain, know they risk losing him for free next summer if they hold firm. Glasner’s hope is to keep him, but reports suggest Palace are exploring Axel Disasi of Chelsea as a replacement.

Chelsea’s late move

CaughtOffside report that Chelsea have “re-entered the picture” for Guehi, with the Blues keen to bring back the defender they nurtured before his move to Selhurst Park in 2021. The outlet added that Chelsea have “made an approach in recent days” in an attempt to “take advantage of what they perceived as a delay in negotiations between Palace and Liverpool.”

Chelsea’s busy summer could yet intensify further, especially if Disasi departs. Nicolas Jackson’s potential move to Bayern Munich, following Liam Delap’s injury, has forced Chelsea to consider new attacking options too, but Guehi’s name remains high on their defensive shortlist.

Favourites remain Liverpool

Despite Chelsea’s interest, “Liverpool still favourites to sign Guehi amid Chelsea interest” has been the prevailing verdict. Those close to the deal believe Guehi is determined to join Arne Slot’s side, underlining his ambition to compete for major honours. His refusal to sign a new Palace contract leaves the Eagles in a tight corner.

With 162 appearances and history as the captain who lifted Palace’s first FA Cup, Guehi departs with legendary status intact if the move materialises. Everything points towards Liverpool sealing the deal, and it would be a significant shock if he ended up elsewhere on deadline day.

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Liverpool supporters will be expectant rather than nervous after these latest twists. Guehi has been a long-term target and his verbal agreement on personal terms suggests the momentum is firmly in the Reds’ favour. Chelsea’s attempt to disrupt the talks feels opportunistic, and while their interest is genuine, Guehi appears to have made his choice.

Fans will be excited about what Guehi can bring. At 25, he combines leadership qualities with Premier League experience and, crucially, the ability to slot into a Liverpool defence that has been in need of reinforcement since Virgil van Dijk’s future was cast into doubt. His goal against Aston Villa only reinforced his composure and technique, attributes that would suit Arne Slot’s tactical blueprint.

There will be some concern among Palace fans, who face the painful reality of losing their captain just weeks after celebrating their FA Cup triumph. However, for Liverpool supporters, this transfer could be viewed as a symbolic moment in the new era under Slot. If Guehi does arrive, Anfield will welcome a defender not only with talent, but also with the resilience and ambition required to lead at the highest level.