Breaking- Newcastle in talks with another Chelsea star after Guehi bid rejected as Blues prepare to sell second Magpies target
Newcastle United are zeroing in on Crystal Palace’s star centre-back Marc Guehi as their priority target for what remains of the summer transfer window. However, securing a deal for the highly sought-after defender is proving to be a formidable challenge for the Magpies.
At just 24 years old, Guehi has already established himself as one of the most promising defenders in the Premier League. His standout performances for England at Euro 2024 have only elevated his profile further, catching the eye of top clubs across Europe. Newcastle United, under the leadership of Eddie Howe, have emerged as the leading contenders to sign the young defender, who has become a key figure in Crystal Palace’s backline.
Eddie Howe, who has been meticulously planning to strengthen his squad, views Guehi as the ideal candidate to enhance Newcastle’s defensive unit. The Magpies already boast solid options in Sven Botman and Fabian Schar, but Howe is keen to add more competition and depth to ensure his side can cope with the rigors of a demanding season. Guehi’s blend of composure, pace, and defensive acumen makes him a perfect fit for Howe’s vision of a resilient and dynamic defense.
Newcastle’s pursuit of Guehi has seen them locked in protracted negotiations with Crystal Palace. Despite their best efforts, the Tyneside club has encountered stiff resistance from the Eagles. According to reports from Sky Sports News, Newcastle’s third bid, believed to be in the region of £60 million including various add-ons, has been turned down by Palace. This rejection underscores Palace’s determination to hold on to one of their prized assets unless their valuation is met. Sources close to the negotiations have informed TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent that Palace is steadfast in their demand for a fee around £75 million, leaving Newcastle with a critical decision on whether to return with an improved offer.
While Newcastle remains hopeful of striking a deal for Guehi, they are also pragmatic about the challenges involved. To that end, the club has identified a contingency plan in case they are unable to secure the Palace defender. Trevoh Chalobah, the versatile Chelsea defender, has emerged as a viable alternative. Chalobah, who has seen his stock fall at Stamford Bridge, is not part of Enzo Maresca’s plans for the upcoming season. The 25-year-old was notably absent from Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the United States, a clear indication of his diminished role at the club. Chalobah has been relegated to training with the under-23 squad, further signaling his potential exit.
Newcastle’s interest in Chalobah is shared by Aston Villa, who are also keen on acquiring the defender before the transfer window slams shut. Chelsea, aware of the interest in Chalobah, has set an asking price of £25 million for the player. However, it remains uncertain whether any club will meet this valuation, given the fluid nature of the transfer market. Chalobah, who once looked set to become a mainstay in Chelsea’s defense, has seen his opportunities limited in recent seasons, making a move away from Stamford Bridge increasingly likely.
In addition to their pursuit of defensive reinforcements, Newcastle are also exploring options to bolster their attacking lineup. The club has been linked with a move for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, who joined the Blues from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023. Since his arrival, Madueke has made 46 appearances for Chelsea, contributing nine goals and three assists. Despite his potential, Madueke’s future at Chelsea appears uncertain, with the club open to offers. Newcastle’s interest in Madueke, however, is contingent on the potential departure of Miguel Almiron, who has been the subject of transfer speculation throughout the summer. Almiron, who has been a key player for Newcastle, is reportedly attracting interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer (MLS). Despite the ongoing rumors, no agreement has been reached for the Paraguayan international.
As the transfer window enters its final weeks, Newcastle’s pursuit of Guehi remains a top priority. However, the club’s willingness to explore alternatives such as Chalobah and Madueke highlights their strategic approach to squad building. Should their bid for Guehi ultimately fall short, the Magpies could turn their attention to securing the services of Chalobah, a player who has the potential to reinvigorate his career with a fresh start at a new club. Likewise, the potential signing of Madueke would add a new dimension to Newcastle’s attacking options, provided they can navigate the complexities of the transfer market.
In the closing days of the transfer window, Newcastle United are set to be one of the most active clubs, with their moves in the market likely to have significant implications for their ambitions in the upcoming season. The Magpies’ fans will be eagerly watching as the club’s hierarchy works tirelessly to secure the signings that could elevate the team to new heights in the Premier League and beyond.
