Chelsea aren't used to missing out on good market opportunities, but that's exactly what has happened after it emerged Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi is set to join Manchester City for a modest fee.
The Blues have several problems in defence and could do with adding at least one solid and proven centre-back signing, either now or in the summer. Crystal Palace's Guehi is arguably the best player in his position available due to his contract at Selhurst Park expiring at the end of the season.
For whatever reason, Chelsea never appeared interested in signing Marc Guehi this year. Instead, the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City competed for his signature.
The England international now looks to be heading to the Etihad at the mid-way point. According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, it is only because Crystal Palace had no choice but to accept a cut-price offer of just £20 million plus bonuses.
🚨 Man City in process of finalising deal to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. ~£20m + bonuses & sell-on %. 5.5yr contract. #MCFC intensified pursuit after Gvardiol/Dias injuries so #CPFC had to accept or lose 25yo as free agent in summer @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/tuDn9gdTfx
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 16, 2026
Chelsea miss out on cut-price Marc Guehi deal
Even though Liam Rosenior has as many as eight senior centre-backs to choose from, many fans would argue the side lacks real quality in depth at the back. Despite Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana being among the Blues' best defenders, the pair are notorious when it comes to injuries.
Fitness issues and a lack of form have left Rosenior, Enzo Maresca and before him, to over-utilise the likes of Trevoh Chalobah. While the 26-year-old has done a decent job, he is nowhere near the level required to start week in, week out, but that's exactly what he's had to do so far this campaign.
Guehi would have undoubtedly been a step up in quality for Chelsea, and with so many other top clubs, including Bayern Munich and Liverpool, vying for his signature, landing him would have sent a real statement of intent.
Guehi will not be turning out in the blue of Chelsea, though. The 25-year-old is set to join Pep Guardiola's Citizens. The eight-time Premier League winners moved aggressively for him after injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol threatened to disrupt their title challenge.
During his four-and-a-half years at Palace, Guehi, who has represented England on 26 occasions, has scored 11 goals and registered eight assists in 188 appearances in all competitions. He was part of the Eagles side that lifted last season's FA Cup.