£50m bid, Man Utd chance, Wesley Fofana sale - Marc Guehi transfer verdict after Chelsea exit

Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi caught the attention of the nation on Sunday night with a stellar performance in England's victory over Serbia at Euro 2024.

Before the clash in Gelsenkirchen, Guehi had only featured three times alongside Manchester City's John Stones but you would not have known it thanks to his confident display. The 23-year-old was assured at the back and left many questioning why there was a need to be concerned about the lack of depth at centre-back.

Such a performance will have raised his stock heading into the summer transfer window. Chelsea sold Guehi to Palace in 2021 but may regret that decision as they look to solidify their defence.

It is understood a fee of £50m will be enough for Palace to sell their defender but both Manchester United and Arsenal are believed to admire the player. With Guehi reportedly wanting to leave Selhurst Park and Palace 'braced for offers', we have asked our football.london writers to decide whether he should be signed or not.

Jack Flintham

It is undeniable that Guehi is going to be a sensational player in the years to come and if Chelsea decide they want him, this summer is the time to move because his price tag will only grow. Now could also be the perfect time to strike to pip United to a deal considering they are wrapped up in negotiations with Everton for Jarrad Branthwaite.

However, there is a host of centre-backs at the club heading into next season and this needs to be addressed. Perhaps the biggest decision will need to be made surrounding Wesley Fofana.

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The former Leicester City man has missed so much football over the past year and it is difficult to know whether the Blues are right to give him a chance this season or send him out on loan. Should they choose the latter option, then a move for Guehi makes sense but a clearing of the decks needs to be done before yet another centre-back joins the club.

Isaac Johnson

Guehi would get into most Premier League sides, Chelsea being no exception. The defender could also strike up a tasty central partnership with new boy Tosin Adarabioyo for some years to come.

The issue would then be to keep Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi and Levi Colwill happy, albeit the latter can play at full-back when needed. But it is a situation that might be well worth dealing with given what Guehi can offer Enzo Maresca’s style of play.

Another problem, though, is Chelsea’s financial situation and the club might either have to sell others to bring him in before June 30 or wait until July to see his transfer go through, which opens the risk of rivals nipping in and grabbing him.

Speaking from a human perspective, a move to Chelsea from Palace would be less upheaval than a switch to Manchester United or elsewhere in the country. The Blues can offer furthermore him consistency, game time and a long-term future, which will appeal to the 23-year-old.

Tom Coley

Guehi was good enough to step into a top-six side when he left Chelsea in 2021, let alone now. The list of expensive buys who have arrived and so far struggled since he was sold is embarrassing and represents plenty about how the club has been run over a long period now.

He would be a stellar option for pretty much any side out there. At just 23 - he will be 24 the day before the Euro 2024 final - there is not only room to improve but also to continue leading. He has been a commanding character at every level from Swansea on loan to Crystal Palace as a Premier League debutant.

He would be ideal for this Chelsea team but is now not needed (unless at least one of Axel Disasi or Benoit Badiashile were to be sold). Manchester United would frankly be lucky to have him and given their search for Branthwaite, would be a sensible (and cheaper) alternative.

Tottenham could do with more depth at the back, Guehi would be perfect. Arsenal's issues beyond William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes open them up to be interested in Guehi as well. He should have the pick of clubs if an exit is to come, and really that is totally justified.

Amie Wilson

Guehi’s performance against Serbia for England on Sunday caught the eyes of people watching, but the truth is, he has been a standout performer for Crystal Palace since making the move from Chelsea in 2021. It’s no surprise then that he has been linked with a move back to one of the big six.

Chelsea could well be involved in that race, but centre-back is not a position that they need to concentrate on in the summer transfer window. While Guehi does look likely to become one of the top defenders in the Premier League, and that is something that Chelsea would like to happen at Stamford Bridge, the financial situation around the league’s financial rules means that the club may have to just turn their back on any deal and let others fight it out.

Enzo Maresca will already have Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile and the returning Wesley Fofana among the centre-backs to works with. He could also turn to Trevoh Chalobah and Alfie Gilchrist.

Keeping another centre-back happy, should they spent the sort of big money that Palace will demand, will only be another challenge for the new head coach. It may be a deal that Chelsea have to walk away from.

Kieran Horn

It wouldn't be a transfer window without Chelsea potentially looking to buy another new centre-back. Over the last few trading periods, the Blues have welcomed Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana and Axel Disasi with Tosin Adarabioyo the latest to join.

Now, Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace is a name being linked to return to Stamford Bridge with his composed 90-minute display for England against Serbia proof of his quality. Re-signing their former defender may ease any potential homegrown issues but it would not be the best use of funds.

With Tosin having already had his move confirmed, Chelsea do not really need another central defender even with the expected exit of Trevoh Chalobah. Thiago Silva has already had his departure confirmed, though Wesley Fofana will feel like a new signing upon his return from a long-term injury.

Levi Colwill also struggled for fitness in the latter stages of the season but he will be available for Enzo Maresca at the start of the new season. Guehi joining Manchester United though is far more feasible with their plans to add depth in defence.

Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite is the priority target though if United look at alternatives, Guehi should absolutely be considered.