Most important deal since Palmer: Chelsea in contact to sign PL “monster”
Some of their recent performances haven’t been ideal, but Chelsea could still have a sensational season this year.
After all, Enzo Maresca’s side are still likely to qualify for the next round of the Champions League and secured their place in the League Cup semi-finals on Tuesday night.
Moreover, the Blues have managed to do all this without their most important player for most of the campaign: Cole Palmer.
The Englishman has been a total game-changer for Chelsea since he arrived in 2023, so fans should be seriously excited about reports linking the club with someone who’d be their most important signing since Palmer.
Chelsea working on most important signing since Palmer
Chelsea have made some significant signings in recent years, from Moises Caicedo to Enzo Fernández.
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However, it’s almost undeniable that their most important purchase of the Clearlake era has been Cole Palmer.
The Englishman joined as a highly rated but relatively unproven prospect, and over the last two and a half years has blown everyone away.
It’s hard to imagine just where the Blues would be today were it not for the 75 goal involvements he’s produced in his 104 appearances.
The West Londoners are unlikely to sign an attacker as potent as Palmer for quite some time, but they are now looking to make a signing that could be as game-changing.
At least that is according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, which claims Chelsea are interested in Marc Guehi.
In fact, alongside Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, the Blues have been in contact with the player’s camp and informed them that they are ready to offer him terms.
While the level of competition is far from ideal, the good news is that the Englishman will be available for free in the summer.
It could be an incredibly complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Guehi’s immense ability, one Chelsea should pursue, especially as it could be the most important signing they make since Palmer.
Why Guehi would be Chelsea's most important signing since Palmer
So, the first thing to say is that while Guehi has shown himself to be more than capable of scoring the odd goal here and there, his impact on Chelsea is going to look very different to Palmer’s.
However, there is every chance it could be as significant, and there are a couple of reasons why.
Firstly, if this season has proven anything, it’s that Maresca desperately needs more defensive depth, as while he has the bodies, he does not have the depth.
For example, Benoit Badiashille looked shaky against League One Cardiff City on Tuesday; Jorrel Hato is young and viewed as more of a left-back; and the less said about Tosin Adarabioyo, the better.
So, from a pure squad-building perspective, the Crystal Palace star would be a far better option than all three and help mitigate the club’s next injury crisis at the back.
However, the second reason the Englishman could be such a game-changing signing is the fact that he’s good enough to be more than cover – he could compete for a starting role.
For example, despite still being relatively young at 25, he has extensive experience, having played 180 games for the Eagles, 59 for Swansea City, and 26 for England.
Moreover, his underlying numbers illustrate just how elite he really is.
According to FBref, the Abidjan-born “monster,” as dubbed by Palace reporter Bobby Manzi, ranks in the top 13% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles and tackles won and the top 15% for passes blocked per 90.
xAG: Exp. Assisted Goals
0.08
Top 2%
Goal-Creating Actions
0.27
Top 4%
Assists
0.09
Top 5%
Goals + Assists
0.18
Top 6%
Through Balls
0.18
Top 6%
Shot-Creating Actions
1.49
Top 6%
Key Passes
0.55
Top 7%
Penalty Kicks Won
0.03
Top 8%
Touches (Att Pen)
1.46
Top 9%
Crosses into Penalty Area
0.12
Top 13%
Switches
0.61
Top 13%
Tackles
2.06
Top 13%
Tackles Won
1.27
Top 13%
Passes Blocked
0.73
Top 15%
Then, when it comes to the attacking stats, he ranks in the top 2% for expected assisted goals, the top 4% for goal-creating actions, the top 6% for through balls and the top 7% for key passes, also per 90.
In other words, the former Blues prospect is exceptional in all phases of play and could therefore do more than improve Maresca’s defence.
Ultimately, it won’t be easy, but Chelsea should be doing all they can to sign Guehi, as his skill set and experience could make him as game-changing as Palmer has been.
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