Chelsea chiefs "adamant" they'll sign £60m star after Real Madrid decision

Chelsea are growing in belief that they’ll seal the signing of a key target this summer, following a decision from European heavyweights Real Madrid which has caused them to change their transfer strategy.

Chelsea expected to go ‘big’ on the signing of a centre-back

Enzo Maresca welcomed back centre-half Trevoh Chalobah to the Chelsea squad in January after Stamford Bridge officials elected to trigger his loan recall clause, but the Englishman isn’t viewed as a long-term solution behind-the-scenes.

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The Italian has made his feelings clear to Stamford Bridge chiefs.

Chalobah is expected to leave Chelsea again when the transfer window reopens, and reliable journalist Simon Phillips is among the credible media sources to report that the west Londoners want to invest signifcantly in a new central defender.

Indeed, Chelsea are expected to go ‘big’ on the signing of another centre-back, which has led them to target a few interesting names. Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen, who has seriously impressed at the heart of Andoni Iraola’s backline this term, is among the options they’ve been considering.

The 19-year-old’s contract includes a £50 million release clause which will be active this summer, and this has reportedly piqued interest from a host of elite Premier League sides, including Chelsea.

Recent rumours have claimed that Chelsea will make a push for Huijsen’s signature, but the Spain international isn’t their only key target.

Crystal Palace star and former Blues player Marc Guehi is about to enter the final 12 months of his deal at Selhurst Park, and while Eagles chairman Steve Parish rejected a £70 million bid from Tottenham for the defender in the January window, he could be available for less this summer.

Football Insider state Guehi’s new price tag will range from £50-60 million, which is still significant for someone who’ll be out of contract next year, so it appears Palace are sticking to their guns and won’t let their star England international go on the cheap.

Chelsea chiefs “adamant” they’ll sign Marc Guehi this summer

Now, GiveMeSport have shared an interesting update on Maresca’s side and their interest in the 24-year-old. The outlet writes that “influential” Chelsea chiefs are “adamant” they’re likely to sign Guehi this summer, with the club growing in confidence when it comes to winning the race for his signature.

Having left Cobham for Palace in 2021, it is believed Guehi has an “emotional attachment” to his ex-club, and Chelsea believe this will hand them a key advantage as they look “determined” to tempt him with a return.

Chelsea are also now fully prioritising a swoop for Guehi, following Real Madrid’s decision to enter the race for Huijsen, as BlueCo are apparently less confident they can sign the latter defender over Carlo Ancelotti’s side.