Chelsea Eyes Marc Guehi Return as Maresca Rebuilds Defense Amid Transfer Speculation

Marc Guehi: A Surprising Target for Chelsea’s Defensive Revamp

Chelsea's summer transfer plans are gearing up, and one name is suddenly back in the mix: Marc Guehi. The Blues, now under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, are reportedly weighing the idea of reacquiring the Crystal Palace skipper. Guehi, who just led Palace to FA Cup glory, left Stamford Bridge in 2021, but a clever sell-on clause could give Chelsea the inside track to bring him home for less than their Premier League rivals are willing—or able—to pay.

Let’s be honest, Chelsea’s back line needs work. The club spent the second half of last season patching together a defense after repeated injury crises. Throughout the worst stretches, Maresca would brush off transfer chatter but always praised Guehi’s defensive intelligence and leadership. It’s no secret Guehi has only a year left on his Palace deal, which gives Chelsea a lot more room to maneuver. Palace, of course, wants to keep their captain, but history shows a player entering the last year of his contract is usually fair game—especially when bigger clubs come knocking.

It isn't just about nostalgia or clever finances. Chelsea need a reliable defender, and Guehi fits the profile. While Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is also being considered, the £70 million price tag has put off most suitors. Instead, bringing back Guehi looks both practical and cost-effective. Newcastle are sniffing around too, yet Chelsea’s ability to leverage the sell-on clause could allow them to undercut the competition—something the club’s new transfer team seems eager to capitalize on. Meanwhile, rival bids from Spurs and Newcastle have already been turned down by Palace in past windows, signaling just how much the Eagles want to keep their man. But contracts and big offers can shift priorities, especially for a club that cashes in at the right time.

Maresca’s Defensive Puzzle and Chalobah’s Possible Return

The transfer scene at Stamford Bridge is never dull, and manager Enzo Maresca looks set to rebuild with a mix of new signings, clever recalls, and strategic departures. Part of that shakeup could involve bringing Trevoh Chalobah back from loan at Crystal Palace. While Chalobah’s future at Chelsea remains in the air, the Blues are keen to reassess their options, especially with rumors swirling about the departures of defenders like Renato Veiga and Axel Disasi.

That’s not all. Mamadou Sarr, a bright prospect from the club’s academy, could find himself thrown straight into the first team—if Maresca’s recent hints mean anything. After a season marked by inconsistency and injury, Chelsea are hunting for both stability and depth. Guehi represents a mix of both: a player who already knows what’s required at the club, yet has matured and proven himself out in the league.

If fans were hoping for a smooth summer, they might be in for a rollercoaster. The combination of contract clauses, loan recalls, and rival interest in top talent means Chelsea will need every trick in the book to shore up their defense. Whatever happens, Enzo Maresca’s plans are far from boring—and the chase for Marc Guehi could be the club’s biggest story this window.