Chelsea monitoring Guehi situation and goalkeeper options ahead of January window

According to journalist Nizaar Kinsella, Chelsea are keeping tabs on the situation of defender Marc Guehi and are assessing their goalkeeping department ahead of the January transfer window.

Guehi is into the final months of his contract at Crystal Palace and has shown no intention to extend his stay at the club.

As a result, Palace risk losing him for free next summer unless they sell him in January.

Guehi was close to joining Premier League holders Liverpool in the summer but the deal fell through.

As stated in previous report, the Reds are still pushing to sign him but now face stiff competition for his services.

Chelsea could also join the race but a move will depend on Guehi and whether the club deem him as an upgrade on their current centre-backs.

Kinsella told the BBC on Chelsea’s interest on the 25-year-old: “We know the hierarchy at Chelsea is aware of his qualities. However, I doubt injuries will factor in at this stage – given Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo are due back after the international break.

“It would then be a case of whether Chelsea’s project appeals to Guehi, if they make an offer and whether he is the profile needed compared with others already on the books. I am not expecting to hear anything on this soon.”

The Palace star is reportedly favouring a move to Real Madrid but could be open to a return to Stamford Bridge.

Speaking on the possibility of signing a new goalkeeper in January, Kinsella ruled out Chelsea reigniting their interest in AC Milan’s Mike Maignan. Still, the club continue to monitor the market.

“Chelsea have money to spend in January but are currently happy with their squad and would only sign a player capable of taking the club to the next level.

“They explored a potential market opportunity to sign Mike Maignan, but saw AC Milan’s £25m price as too high for a player with a year left on his contract and walked away.

“Of course, that price will probably come down in January, but the Blues are broadly happy with the form of Robert Sanchez, who won the Golden Glove at the Club World Cup, and are not expected to return to the market.”

Given the number of centre-backs at Chelsea and the club’s reported trust in Sanchez, they are unlikely to move for Guehi or a new goalkeeper in January.