Premier League defender likely to reject Chelsea offer next summer - Reports 

England defender Marc Guehi has been the subject of transfer interest this summer, but Crystal Palace successfully retained him, at least for this season. However, keeping him beyond this summer could prove difficult, with clubs like Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Liverpool all showing interest.

According to Football Insider, Guehi may even turn down an offer from his former club Chelsea, should one materialize.

Guehi joined Chelsea at the age of seven but left his boyhood club in 2021 when Crystal Palace signed him for a reported £18 million. Since then, the center-back has gone from strength to strength and is now a regular member of the England squad.

Newcastle United came closest to signing him, but Palace held firm, rejecting four bids from the Magpies, the final offer being a reported fee of £65 million. The Eagles reportedly valued the Ivory Coast-born defender at £70 million, which allowed them to fend off all the interest he attracted this summer.

While Palace held the upper hand in negotiations this summer, the situation could shift next year, as Guehi will have just one year left on his contract. Chelsea may re-enter the race, having included a clause in their deal with Crystal Palace that gives them matching rights if Palace agree to a transfer fee with another club.

Ultimately, the decision rests with Guehi, and a report from Football Insider suggests that the England international might decline an offer from his boyhood club due to their transfer strategy and the size of their squad. Additionally, if the Blues fail to secure a Champions League spot next season, Guehi could shift his focus to clubs that have qualified for Europe’s top competition.

In that scenario, Liverpool, if they secure a top-four finish, could enter the race, especially with Virgil van Dijk’s future uncertain. As a left-sided center-back, Guehi could become Liverpool’s top target if the Dutchman decides to leave.

Jamie Carragher claims Chelsea target Marc Guehi isn’t worth the hefty transfer fee

Liverpool, along with Newcastle United, were linked to Marc Guehi in the final days of the transfer window. However, the Reds ultimately chose not to make a bid and backed off after learning the defender’s fee could be as high as £70 million.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher commented that while Guehi is a talented player, he is not worth the price Crystal Palace were demanding.

"I mean, Guehi, we are talking about £70 million. I think he is a really good player. I wouldn’t pay £70 million for him, though, so I think that’s probably a big decision the club (Liverpool) have got to make, whether they look somewhere else and someone cheaper because that is top dollar, that.” Carragher said in August. (via Liverpool FC News)

Things could shift next summer, as Guehi is likely to continue attracting interest due to his impressive performances. In his three years at Crystal Palace, he has made 116 appearances while earning a reputation for solid defending and composure on the ball.