Chelsea "determined" to re-sign former player as Juventus plan opening talks

da fezbet： Chelsea chiefs are already making recruitment plans ahead of 2026, and they have their eyes on a former player to bolster Enzo Maresca’s ranks after failing to fulfill some of their transfer goals in the summer.

da wazamba： While the Blues recorded England’s second-highest expenditure during the last window, second only behind Premier League champions Liverpool, Chelsea also wanted a new goalkeeper and centre-back.

The Premier League’s biggest summer spenders

Team

Spent

Received

Net Spend

Liverpool

£415,000,000

£187,000,000

£228,000,000

Chelsea

£285,000,000

£288,000,000

-£3,000,000

Arsenal

£255,000,000

£9,000,000

£246,000,000

Newcastle

£250,000,000

£152,000,000

£98,000,000

Man Utd

£216,000,000

£68,000,000

£148,000,000

Nottm Forest

£205,000,000

£107,000,000

£98,000,000

Tottenham

£181,000,000

£36,000,000

£145,000,000

Sunderland

£162,000,000

£44,000,000

£118,000,000

Man City

£152,000,000

£53,000,000

£99,000,000

West Ham

£124,000,000

£55,000,000

£69,000,000

via BBC

Doubts have surrounded Robert Sanchez and his long-term capability as Chelsea’s number one shot-stopper, prompting the west Londoners to try their hand at a move for France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

AC Milan and BlueCo couldn’t agree on a price for the 30-year-old, as Chelsea were only prepared to pay around £12 million and the Rossoneri wanted closer to £25 million (Ben Jacobs).

Reports suggest Chelsea are still planning to sign Maignan, this time on a pre-contract in 2026 as his contract ticks down towards expiry this season.

Meanwhile, Chelsea also failed with a move for centre-back Dean Huijsen in the summer, as per reliable media sources, with the Spain international starlet eventually joining Real Madrid in a £50 million deal.

Maresca’s side remained in the market for a keeper and defender until the latter weeks of the window (Simon Phillips), but it appears as if Chelsea couldn’t secure targets of the desired quality to reinforce their squad.

Rest assured, their aim to bring in defensive options for between the sticks and outfield hasn’t waned, with Chelsea believed to be among the many contenders to sign Crystal Palace stalwart Marc Guehi on a free transfer next year.

Guehi was on the verge of joining Liverpool in a deadline day move and was given permission to undergo a Merseyside medical. The Reds submitted a deal sheet so they could secure a deal past the 7pm cut-off point too, but Palace U-turned on a deal at the final moment, which forced the England international to remain at Selhurst Park (Sky Sports).

Now, a host of elite sides are lining up to sign Guehi as a free agent next summer, including Liverpool, Man City, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Chelsea "determined" to re-sign Marc Guehi

According to TUTTOmercatoWEB, via Juve FC, Chelsea are also “determined” to re-sign Guehi after he departed Stamford Bridge for Palace in 2021.

However, they face stiff competition from Juventus, who want to open talks for the 25-year-old at the earliest possible opportunity.

The Old Lady could offer an intriguing opportunity to contend for the Serie A title as they look to reestablish their dominance of Italy after a disappointing last few years, but there is reason to believe Guehi would thrive alongside the likes of Levi Colwill (injured), Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana back at his former home.

Why Chelsea should go all out for Marc Guehi

The defender has established himself as a firm England international regular and an undroppable for Thomas Tuchel, with Guehi looking like a shoo-in for the 2026 World Cup squad after an impressive Euro 2024 replacing Harry Maguire.

Calm on the ball, strong in the air and quick across the ground, he offers the all-round skillset modern centre-backs need. Chelsea have been crying out for a consistent presence at the back after repeated defensive injuries over the last few years. Guehi’s blend of composure and leadership could instantly raise the level.

At zero cost, it’s practically a no-brainer, with the only concern being Chelsea’s serious competition for his signature.

Steve Parish branded Guehi a “superstar”, and Chelsea signing him for free would undoubtedly be a major coup.