Phil Foden spoke fondly of one of Chelsea's top transfer targets
Chelsea would welcome a strong leader if they decide to re-sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, Manchester City ace Phil Foden has said. Guehi, 24, is being considered for a return to his former club, who he left in 2021 to join Palace in an £18 million deal.
If the Blues were to bring the England international back to Stamford Bridge, they would probably have to pay three times that amount, plus a little extra to appease the south Londoners. However, it appears Chelsea are content to wait until the summer to attempt to sign Guehi, after Palace reportedly demanded £60million for his signature this month.
The centre-back led Palace in the absence of captain Joel Ward, who fell out of favor under Oliver Glasner. Foden is one of many to recognize Guehi's footballing and personal qualities, having played alongside him during England's run to the Euro 2024 final.
Guehi featured in all matches except the Three Lions' quarter-final win over Switzerland and was a last-second goal-line clearance from Dani Olmo before scoring the equalizer in time extra against Spain in the final. And Foden doesn't just view Guehi as a defender, he views him as a leader, reports the Mirror.
Speaking on England's official YouTube channel during the European Championship, the City star said: “He [Guehi] was a leader. I know him well having obviously played with him and he is not bothered by anything. I feel like he came into the team and showed his qualities.”
Chelsea's pursuit of Guehi is reportedly on ice, with the Blues prepared to wait until the summer. Palace initially offered them a hefty fee of £60million, as the defender enters the final 18 months of his tenure at Selhurst Park.
It now appears they want to wait until their academy graduate enters the final year of his contract in south London. Guehi has made 137 appearances for Palace since arriving in 2021, establishing himself as their first-choice defender.
Guehi has been impressive for England at Euro 2024
The west London club have been struggling with several defensive issues in recent times, including the potential loss of Wesley Fofana for the remainder of the campaign and Benoit Badiashile to a thigh injury. Likewise, Levi Colwill missed the action in the Blues' 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Yet despite boasting about the quality of his current centre-backs, it seems Enzo Maresca is a big fan of Guehi. Ahead of Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Palace, Maresca said: “The only thing I can say is that Marc Guehi is a Palace player.
“I like Marc but he's not our player. But I also like the central defenders we have. I also like different types of central defenders in Italy, Spain and France but that doesn't mean that we are going to buy a player.
“It's a normal situation. I think when central defenders are injured, there is speculation. At the same time, there is nothing.”
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/2003395/chelsea-transfer-news-foden-city