Chelsea opted against re-signing Marc Guehi this month, allowing Manchester City to complete a £20million move for the Crystal Palace defender. The Blues' former academy graduate had been available with just six months remaining on his contract, but the club instead pursued other defensive targets.
Guehi, an England international, had been the subject of interest from several top clubs. Newcastle United failed with four bids in 2024, Liverpool came close to signing him last summer before the deal collapsed, and Arsenal have been long-term admirers. He came through Chelsea's academy and made only two senior appearances before impressing on loan at Swansea City, prompting Palace to pay £18million for him in 2021.
Chelsea are currently in the market for a centre-half following an anterior cruciate ligament injury to another academy graduate, Levi Colwill, in August. The club are in talks to sign Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet and have already agreed personal terms with the France Under-21 international, despite interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.
According to reports, a return to Stamford Bridge was not considered possible by Chelsea officials due to the considerable costs involved. Guehi is said to have become one of Manchester City's top earners on a salary of around £300,000-a-week. Chelsea also respect Guehi as a player but are looking for a defender with 'different attributes'.
Former Chelsea midfielder Jody Morris, who wanted Guehi back at the club, admitted the player was 'too old' for Chelsea's transfer policy and that the club was 'never in the conversation' given interest from Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool. 'Marc Guehi is a no-brainer for the top teams. I don't think we get him. And he's too old for Chelsea,' Morris said. He added that Guehi is 'a great kid' and 'fantastic pro' but said: 'He ain't going to Chelsea.'
