Chelsea have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Marc Guehi as Crystal Palace have reportedly decided to reduce their asking price ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
The England international has been tipped to secure a move back to Stamford Bridge this summer, four years after his permanent departure, and Chelsea are believed to be the frontrunners in the race for his signature.
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Newcastle United have seemingly cooled their interest after failing to finalise an agreement for Guehi last year, while Liverpool appear unlikely to pursue a deal following news of Virgil van Dijk’s new contract.
As a result, Chelsea are leading the chase to sign Guehi ahead of the 2025-26 campaign and Crystal Palace have now reduced their asking price to €47 million (£40m), according to TBR Football.
Oliver Glasner’s side were previously due to demand a fee of €81m (£70m) in order to sanction a sale, but they have opted to lower their valuation as Guehi only has one year remaining on his current contract at Selhurst Park.
The 24-year-old has made 41 appearances in all competitions for Crystal Palace so far this season, scoring three goals, and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at a career high of €48.9m.
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If Chelsea decide against signing Guehi, they are expected to pursue a deal for Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, who has been identified as the perfect ball-playing centre-back for Maresca’s system.
Ajax’s Jorrel Hato and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite have also been linked with a move to the west London giants, with Chelsea set to sanction the permanent exits of Axel Disasi, Renato Veiga and Trevoh Chalobah this summer.
Benoit Badiashile may also depart Stamford Bridge, although the Frenchman is unlikely to leave unless at least two central defenders are signed.
