Chelsea could find themselves in pole position to secure the signature of Marc Guehi this summer due to his admiration for their former players.
The defender has been one of the few shining lights for England at Euro 2024 so far, being dubbed the nation’s standout star during the group stages.
With just two years left on his contract with Crystal Palace, Guehi’s performances have put him in the shop window at Selhurst Park and suitors are expected to come forward with offers for the centre-back once he has returned from Germany.
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Manchester City and Liverpool are among a host of names to have been tipped to make a move for the 23-year-old previously, though it is Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea who are widely believed to be leading the charge.
All three sides are in the market for defensive reinforcements this summer, though the Blues could have an advantage over United if a bidding war breaks out due to Guehi’s history at the club.
Speaking ahead of the Euro 2024 round of 16, Guehi revealed that he has taken inspiration from ex-Chelsea aces Didier Drogba and Thiago Silva.
Asked why he holds the duo in such high regard, Guehi explained: “I'd say resilience both in their stories growing up, both in what they had to endure in their careers, in any professional career, it's hard to make it to the top. For both of them, that's one thing that stands out."
Silva endured a testing upbringing in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro but has forged a career which has seen him recognised as one of the best defenders in Europe for over a decade.
Silva and Guehi crossed paths while the latter was at Stamford Bridge, though he was in the youth set-up at the time and therefore never shared the dressing room at the same time – though could be the Brazilian's successor this summer if Enzo Maresca green-lights an approach.
Drogba similarly had to overcome the poverty of his hometown, Abidjan in the Ivory Coast, to make it as a footballer. His family relocated to France when he was born and he remained in Europe with his uncle until his teenage years, honing his craft as a striker.
Hearing Guehi’s thoughts on their club legends will be music to the ears of Chelsea and Todd Boehly may take confidence in how an approach to Palace will be approved by the player.
