Chelsea are reportedly stepping up their efforts to re-sign Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, looking to get ahead of Liverpool and a host of European giants in the race for his signature.

Guehi’s Rise Since Leaving Chelsea

The 25-year-old centre-back left Stamford Bridge in 2021 to join Crystal Palace, where he has since blossomed into one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders. Guehi played a pivotal role in Palace’s FA Cup triumph last season and their Community Shield success earlier this campaign. His standout performances have also cemented his place in Gareth Southgate’s England starting XI.

Liverpool, Arsenal and European Heavyweights in the Mix

Guehi’s future has been a hot topic for months. He came close to joining Liverpool in the summer, only for Palace to block the move due to their inability to secure a replacement. According to Fichajes, Liverpool remain frontrunners for his signature, but they face stiff competition from Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Chelsea Make Their Move

Now Chelsea are looking to hijack the deal and bring Guehi back to West London. The Blues are not pushing for a January transfer but are prepared to wait until next summer to secure him on a free deal, despite his current £39m valuation on Transfermarkt.

Enzo Maresca’s squad has plenty of centre-back options — Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Jorrel Hato and youngster Josh Acheampong. However, injuries to Colwill, Badiashile and Fofana, along with Disasi falling out of favour, have left Chelsea short of reliable options.

A Battle Worth Watching

Given his Premier League experience and international pedigree, Guehi would be a major coup for Chelsea. But with Liverpool and several European heavyweights also circling, the battle for his signature is set to be one of next summer’s biggest transfer sagas.