Former Chelsea star Joe Cole has issued a passionate plea to his old club, urging them to aggressively pursue the signing of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi when the transfer market reopens in January.
Guehi's Contract Situation and Failed Liverpool Move
The 25-year-old centre-back is out of contract at Selhurst Park at the end of the current season. Palace manager Oliver Glasner has publicly confirmed that Guehi will not be signing a new deal with the club.
This situation has put numerous top clubs on alert. Liverpool came incredibly close to securing his signature last summer, having agreed a £35 million deal with Crystal Palace for the former Chelsea academy graduate. Guehi even underwent a medical, but the move collapsed on deadline day after Palace failed to find a suitable replacement.
Barcelona Emerge as Front-Runners for Free Transfer
While it was widely expected Liverpool would revive their interest in January, recent reports suggest that possibility is now 'slim'. According to The Athletic and other outlets, Spanish giants Barcelona are now leading the race for the England international.
Barcelona hold a significant advantage as, unlike Premier League clubs, they can officially open pre-contract negotiations with Guehi from January 1. It is rumoured that the La Liga side have already made two formal approaches to the player's representatives in the past two weeks.
Cole's Verdict: A 'No-Brainer' for Chelsea's Defence
Amid this fierce competition, Joe Cole has made a compelling case for Chelsea to intervene. Speaking to Paddy Power, Cole argued that Guehi is precisely the kind of player Chelsea should be targeting to strengthen a defence that faltered in a 3-1 defeat to Leeds United.
'Marc Guehi would be someone you bang the doors down for to sign,' Cole stated. 'He is someone who can come in and help the young group, he knows the club inside out. It's a no-brainer.'
However, Cole also expressed doubt that Chelsea's current transfer strategy, which focuses on signing younger prospects, would accommodate a move for the established 25-year-old. He cautioned against major January business, suggesting that despite the Leeds loss, Chelsea are fourth in the table and still in a respectable position to challenge the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.
Chelsea's next test comes on Saturday as they travel to face AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, with manager Enzo Maresca looking for a response from his squad.
