After winning the Club World Cup Chelsea are looking to challenge for the Premier League title this season. However, Enzo Maresca is still shaping the squad in his image.
And while there is talent in key positions, the London club continues to track opportunities that could strengthen them further.
One area the Blues are keeping an especially close eye on is the defence. Injuries have complicated matters for the London side.
And though there is depth, Maresca and his staff know that more competition will be needed if Chelsea want to challenge at the top again.
In recent months, one Premier League defender has attracted growing interest from across Europe.
Liverpool were close to sealing the Marc Guehi deal on deadline day, only for Crystal Palace officials to pull back at the last moment. That decision delayed the move but did not end the story.
Since then, European heavyweights have started circling. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona are watching closely.
The Spanish clubs will even have the freedom to open official talks with Guehi in January, thanks to rules around pre-contract agreements.
Manchester City, too, remain in the background, with Pep Guardiola never shy of adding another defender if the right option becomes available.
That is why Chelsea have now taken a firm decision. According to TBR Football, the club intends to rejoin the chase for Marc Guehi and even view him as a priority signing.
The plan is to prepare a proposal strong enough to rival Liverpool and to tempt the player back to London.
The England international once came through Chelsea’s academy before becoming a star at Crystal Palace.
The Blues already have the likes of Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, and several young defenders.
So, for Chelsea, exits may need to happen before Guehi can seriously consider a reunion. And, this might give Liverpool and others an edge in the transfer race.
Want to get the latest transfer news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
