Chelsea are ready to offload out-of-favour stars as they are reportedly looking to fund the return of Marc Guehi amid defensive injury crisis.

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• Injuries to Fofana & Badiashile have put Chelsea in trouble
• Enzo Maresca looking for reinforcements in January
• Could sell Chukwuemeka and Dewsbury-Hall to fund the move

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Guehi, who began his professional career with Chelsea before moving to Crystal Palace in 2021, has emerged as a top target for the Blues. It has been suggested that they have already inquired about Palace’s valuation of the 23-year-old defender, knowing very well that any deal for the centre-back will be both challenging and expensive. Although Chelsea remain prepared to act swiftly if an appropriate opportunity arises, they are determined not to make any rash decisions in the January transfer window while seeking reinforcements for key defenders Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Chelsea are also considering to recall Trevoh Chalobah, who is currently on loan at Palace. However, the situation remains complex. He could also be sold to the Eagles, which would in turn help finance Guehi’s potential transfer. However, it is unclear whether Chalobah would favour a return to Stamford Bridge, where he faced challenges during the preseason, including losing his squad number and training away from the main team.

  Christopher Nkunku, primarily featuring in the Europa Conference League, is reportedly open to leaving Chelsea, either this month or during the summer. The club appears willing to entertain offers for the forward, with João Felix capable of stepping in as a false nine and academy talent Marc Guiu stepping up his development.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who joined Chelsea in the summer for £30 million, is among the players likely to depart. Despite his high-profile transfer, Dewsbury-Hall has struggled to find form and could leave permanently if a suitable offer is received. Bundesliga clubs and West Ham United have shown interest in the 26-year-old. Carney Chukwuemeka, another midfielder on West Ham’s radar, has a £40 million release clause. Although highly rated, his future at Chelsea appears uncertain. Meanwhile, Cesare Casadei, valued at over £20 million, has attracted attention from clubs in France, Italy, and the Netherlands.

  Defender Axel Disasi, who has failed to adapt to Maresca’s tactical system, is another candidate for a potential sale. The club believes parting ways with these players would not only generate funds for new signings but also streamline Maresca’s squad for the remainder of the season.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  As Chelsea navigate their defensive crisis, the club is carefully weighing its options for reinforcements while balancing the need to offload surplus talent. The potential return of Guehi, along with other strategic adjustments, highlights the Blues’ ambition to rebuild under Maresca’s leadership. However, with numerous moving parts and market dynamics in play, the coming weeks will be critical in shaping the team’s trajectory for the remainder of the season.