Chelsea transfer news: Blues 'could miss out' on leading January target 'due to 24-year-old's wage demands'

Guehi was heavily linked with a move away from Crystal Palace during the summer transfer window, with Newcastle United believed to have had multiple offers turned down for the England international.

The 24-year-old has again been a strong performer this term, making 23 appearances for Palace, scoring twice and registering one assist in the process, but there is currently speculation surrounding his future.

Chelsea are believed to be interested in bringing the defender back to Stamford Bridge this month, but the Blues could allegedly struggle due to Guehi's wage demands.

According to The Mirror, Guehi would want at least £200,000 a week from a potential new club, but Chelsea have a strict wage structure which places stars on longer-term deals with lower basic wages.

Chelsea 'could struggle to sign Guehi in January'

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca recently said that he 'liked' Guehi, but he also suggested that recalling Trevoh Chalobah from Palace this month was not entirely out of the question.

"The only thing I can say is Marc Guehi is a Palace player," he told reporters. "I like Marc for sure but he is not our player. But I like also the central defenders we have.

"I also like different types of central defenders in Italy, Spain and France but that doesn't mean we are going to buy a player. It is a normal situation I think when you have central defenders injured that the speculation is there. At the same time, there is nothing there.

"This is exactly the same [a Chalobah recall]. Unfortunately I have to give you the same answer. Trev is a good player but in this moment he is a Palace player, so we will see."

How much would Guehi cost in January?

Palace are believed to have placed a valuation of £70m on Guehi over the summer, which Newcastle were not prepared to meet, and it would be safe to assume that he is still valued by the Eagles at least £60m.

As a result, it is incredibly difficult to imagine a deal going through in January, with the Englishman instead expected to leave Selhurst Park during this summer's transfer window.

Guehi came through the youth system at Chelsea before progressing to the first team, but he only made two senior appearances for the Blues before departing in search of regular action.

The centre-back has made 134 appearances for Palace in all competitions, scoring seven goals and registering three assists in the process, while he impressed for England at last summer's European Championship.

Written by

Matt Law