United consider signing Chelsea academy product in “blockbuster” £40m deal – report

Manchester United are in the “intense” race to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace in the summer, as per reports.

Palace’s visit to Old Trafford over the weekend was disappointing for United in more than one way.

The Red Devils were handed yet another defeat under Ruben Amorim, whose new tactical ideas have done little to improve United’s shaky defence and toothless attack.

Further, his defensive options have dwindled as Lisandro Martinez suffered a serious injury in the 2-0 defeat on Sunday. The Argentine will be out of action for an extended period after injuring his anterior cruciate ligament.

Amorim has plenty of defenders to field in central defence and on the right side. However, Martinez was his only reliable option on the left-hand side of the defence.

New signing Ayden Heaven is left-footed and is capable of playing in that area but considering his inexperience, it’s best to not consider him a long-term solution for now. Their dire defensive situation has led to suggestions of another signing.

Manchester United want to sign Marc Guehi

According to Fichajes, United have set their sights on Guehi “as a key reinforcement” for the next summer transfer window.

The Palace defender, who was brilliant against the Mancunians in his side’s big win, is also admired by Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool. His suitors reportedly see him as a “reliable option”.

At United, the Englishman could arrive as a potential Martinez replacement. He is a right-footed central defender but has spent most of his career on the left side.

The South London outfit have so far resisted offers for Guehi, who graduated from Chelsea’s academy before joining them in 2021, and even turned down Tottenham Hotspur’s £70m proposal during the winter window.

However, the 24-year-old Englishman’s contract at Selhurst Park expires in the summer of 2026 and the next window might be Palace’s last chance to command a significant transfer fee for their prized asset.

The Spanish outlet suggests Guehi’s “blockbuster signing” would be worth £40m at the end of the season.

Considering Palace’s reluctance to sell their star defender and high competition for his services, it’s tough to see them part ways with the ex-Chelsea man for only £40m. Accordingly, it’s best to take Fichajes’s claim with a pinch of salt.