Chelsea have reportedly failed with a formal offer for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
Ever since it was revealed last week that Wesley Fofana was sidelined in the long term, there have been discussions as to how the Blues will handle the Frenchman's absence.
While Chelsea have already recalled Aaron Anselmino from his loan stint with Boca Juniors, the young Argentine will not be considered for a first-team role in the short term.
Although 18-year-old Josh Acheampong was handed his first Premier League start against Palace at the weekend, head coach Enzo Maresca has seemingly indicated that he wants to find an experienced alternative to Fofana.
On Monday, reports emerged that the West Londoners were ready to try to secure a reunion with Guehi, a player who came through their academy ranks before departing for Palace in 2021.
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Chelsea told to improve Guehi offer?
According to The Sun, Chelsea have already put forward a formal offer for the England international during the January transfer window.
The report quotes a source as saying that it was 'a silly offer' and suggests that it was rejected out of hand, insisting that it "was a long way off being a fair price".
Palace rejected offers of at least £65m when Newcastle United moved for Guehi in the summer, but the left-sided centre-back now has just 18 months remaining on his contract.
Guehi is allegedly now valued in the region of £55m, a decrease in asking price to coincide with just two transfer windows remaining where Palace can generate a big-money fee for his signature.
There is the potential for negotiations to remain complex with Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah already on loan at Selhurst Park.
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Where does Chalobah fit into the mix?
With Chelsea seemingly possessing an option to recall Chalobah in January, Palace find themselves in a scenario where it is plausible that they will be forced to part ways with one of their key defenders.
In an effort to generate a fee for a homegrown talent, Chelsea may be prepared to sell Chalobah to Palace in a separate deal if they make the breakthrough in discussions for Guehi.
Unless Chelsea identify an alternative target, Palace effectively have their backs against the wall with Chelsea able to call the shots to a certain extent.
Chalobah has made 14 appearances since his temporary switch to Palace, who do not have the option of pushing through a permanent deal.
Darren Plant
