Report: Chelsea “hesitate” as Newcastle push for Guehi | OneFootball

Newcastle Move Ahead of Chelsea in Pursuit of Marc Guehi

Newcastle United have edged in front of Chelsea in the closely monitored race for Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi, with growing confidence behind the scenes that the Magpies could succeed in securing one of their long-term defensive targets.

The 24-year-old, widely regarded as one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League, has been on Newcastle’s radar for over a year, according to TeamTalk. Multiple offers from the Tyneside club were turned down last summer, including a final proposal believed to be worth around £65 million with performance-related add-ons. Despite Palace holding firm, there’s an increasing sense that they may be forced to reconsider their position this summer.

Newcastle Remain Persistent as Chelsea Stall

While Chelsea have historically maintained an interest in Guehi — who progressed through their academy before making his name at Selhurst Park — their pursuit has cooled in recent months. There has been no significant movement from Stamford Bridge since initial interest emerged, and the Blues are understood to be prioritising other areas amid ongoing structural changes and Financial Fair Play considerations.

Newcastle, by contrast, are applying a more assertive approach. Eddie Howe remains an admirer of Guehi’s defensive intelligence, leadership and ball-playing ability. His profile aligns closely with Newcastle’s recruitment strategy: young, experienced in the Premier League, and with significant resale potential.

The defender’s current valuation is in the region of €55 million (£46 million), a noticeable drop from last summer’s rejected bid. With Guehi entering the final year of his contract in 2025, Palace’s negotiating power may be waning — and Newcastle appear poised to capitalise.

Premier League Rivals Monitoring Situation

Other Premier League clubs are far from passive observers. Tottenham Hotspur, finalists in this season’s Europa League, and Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest have both made background checks on Guehi’s availability and price tag. Liverpool, too, are long-term admirers, and although they’ve secured Virgil van Dijk on a new two-year deal, they remain in the mix.

Guehi, however, is refusing to be drawn into speculation. Speaking last month, he said:

Transfer Strategy at St James’ Park Taking Shape

Newcastle’s pursuit of Guehi is part of a wider recruitment plan ahead of a pivotal summer. The Magpies are believed to be weighing up a high-stakes move for Palace’s attacking star Eberechi Eze, whose release clause stands at £68 million. Although interest from Manchester United and Spurs may complicate negotiations, Newcastle remain undeterred.

Simultaneously, there could be significant outgoings to balance the books amid PSR concerns. Joe Willock, whose season has been disrupted by injuries, is attracting interest from two fellow Premier League sides. Newcastle are also open to letting Sean Longstaff depart for a cut-price fee, with several English teams ready to make a move.

This summer promises to be a defining one for Newcastle, with Guehi potentially the centrepiece of their defensive evolution. For Chelsea, unless their interest is revived with urgency, they risk watching one of their own academy graduates reinforce a direct rival.